The bases of the Unifil mission in southern Lebanon are back under attack. The Italian headquarters in Shama was hit again. This time there are injuries, four, fortunately not life-threatening. In the early hours of the day, the mission announced, two 122 mm rockets hit a bunker and a logistics area used by the international military police, causing significant damage to nearby infrastructure. One of the structures caught fire, but the flames were quickly put out. Due to the explosion, some glass shattered, hitting the four soldiers belonging to the Sassari Brigade, who immediately received treatment at the base hospital. Recalling that “any attack against peacekeepers constitutes a serious violation of international law and of UN Security Council Resolution 1701”, Unifil, which evoked the responsibility of Hezbollah or affiliated groups, urged the parties struggling to avoid fighting near its positions: “Deliberate or accidental attacks against peacekeepers must cease immediately.”
The attack sparked outrage from the Italian government. Our contingent “remains in southern Lebanon to offer a window of opportunity for peace and cannot become hostage to militia attacks”, commented Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, informing that he had immediately contacted the headquarters to ensure the conditions of the military, “it is intolerable that once again a Unifil base has been hit”. Crosetto then announced that he wanted to “speak with the new Israeli Defense Minister, which has been impossible since his inauguration until today, to ask him to avoid using the Unifil bases as a shield”. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni learned the news of the new attacks “with profound indignation and concern” and reiterated “once again” that “they are unacceptable”. Meloni then renewed the appeal “so that the parties on the ground guarantee, at all times, the safety of the Unifil soldiers and collaborate to quickly identify those responsible”. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani remarked that, “just as we told Israel to pay maximum attention, we say it equally firmly to Hezbollah. The Italian military cannot be touched”, “Hezbollah learns to use weapons, which evidently he doesn’t know how to use and causes damage.” “Intolerable criminal acts” is the summary of the Democratic Party secretary Elly Schlein, who asked “at the same time that the government report as soon as possible on the initiatives that are being adopted for the ceasefire”. A firm condemnation of the attacks, which represent “a serious and unacceptable violation of international law”, also came from EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Josep Borrell.
And the announcement by the International Criminal Court in The Hague of the issuing of arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accused of war crimes and against humanity in the Gaza Strip. The West appears divided on the decision and its possible application. US President Joe Biden defined it as “scandalous”, “whatever the ICC may insinuate, there is no equivalence, none, between Israel and Hamas. We will always be at Israel’s side against threats to its security”. While President-elect Donald Trump, according to Israeli media, is considering personal sanctions against the chief prosecutor of the ICC Karim Khan and the judges who issued the warrants. Viktor Orban is also ready to challenge the Hague Court. The Hungarian prime minister confirmed that the mandate “will not be respected” and invited Netanyahu to the country. The German government “takes note” of the sentence, adding that it will evaluate “further steps” only “when a visit to Germany by Netanyahu and Gallant is foreseeable”. Paris also takes note of the ICC’s decision, reiterating loyalty “to its long-standing commitment to supporting international justice”, but without specifying whether it will carry out arrests if the two accused were to enter French territory. Madrid and London, however, have assured that they are ready to execute the arrest warrants. Indifferent Moscow. The Kremlin has made it known that it considers the Hague decisions to be “insignificant” and of no legal value, considering that an arrest warrant has also been issued against Putin. Beijing instead hopes that the Court “maintains an objective and impartial position and exercises its powers in accordance with the law and in accordance with the unified standards, and that it fully and in good faith interprets and applies the Rome Statute and the laws general”.
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What implications does the recent attack on the UNIFIL base have for international peacekeeping efforts in Lebanon?
**Interview with International Relations Expert, Dr. Maria Chen**
*Interviewer:* Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Chen. We’ve seen a surge of tensions in Lebanon, especially with the recent attack on the UNIFIL base that injured four Italian soldiers. What do you make of these developments?
*Dr. Chen:* Thank you for having me. The attack on the UNIFIL base is indeed alarming. It not only endangers the lives of peacekeepers but also undermines international efforts aimed at maintaining stability in the region. By hitting a peacekeeping mission, groups like Hezbollah are sending a clear message that they are prepared to challenge international norms, which can further exacerbate the situation.
*Interviewer:* The Italian government has strongly condemned the attack, with Defense Minister Guido Crosetto stating that it is “intolerable.” How do you see Italy’s role in this conflict?
*Dr. Chen:* Italy has been a significant contributor to the UNIFIL mission, which is vital for peacekeeping in Southern Lebanon. Crosetto’s remarks reflect a growing concern for the safety of their personnel. Italy’s government is committed to supporting diplomatic measures and has called for accountability. However, it remains to be seen how they can effectively protect their forces while also maintaining their peacekeeping mission.
*Interviewer:* There’s also been news regarding the International Criminal Court (ICC) issuing arrest warrants against Israeli leaders for alleged war crimes in Gaza. How do you view the international community’s reaction, particularly from the U.S.?
*Dr. Chen:* The response from President Biden labeling the ICC’s decision as ”scandalous” highlights a deep division within the West. Historically, the U.S. has supported Israel, viewing it as a critical ally in the region. Biden’s comments underscore the complexities of international justice where geopolitical interests often influence narratives about legality and morality. This rift could complicate international responses to accusations made by the ICC.
*Interviewer:* Given these events, what steps should the international community take to de-escalate tensions in Lebanon and the broader region?
*Dr. Chen:* The international community must prioritize dialog and diplomacy. This means engaging both the Lebanese government and Hezbollah to stress the importance of protecting peacekeepers and preventing further violence. Additionally, wider conversations regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza are necessary. A balanced approach that includes addressing security concerns while promoting human rights is essential for long-term stability.
*Interviewer:* Thank you, Dr. Chen. Your insights provide valuable context to these complex issues.
*Dr. Chen:* Thank you for having me. It’s a critical moment for international relations in the region, and it’s important we keep the dialog going.
