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 the 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. Moscow is indifferent. 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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How do recent developments, such as arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court, affect international diplomatic relations, particularly between the U.S. and European nations regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
**Interview with Dr. Elena Rossi**, International Relations Expert
**Interviewer:** Dr. Rossi, thank you for joining us today. Recent events in Lebanon have seen fresh attacks on UN peacekeeping forces, specifically targeting the Italian contingent. How significant are these attacks in the broader context of the current geopolitical tensions in the region?
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. These attacks are quite significant. They underscore the precarious security situation in southern Lebanon, particularly amid rising hostilities related to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The targeting of UN peacekeepers—who are meant to maintain stability—reveals a troubling trend where non-state actors feel emboldened to challenge international norms, further complicating the peace process.
**Interviewer:** The Italian government has condemned the attacks as violations of international law. What implications might this have for international diplomatic efforts in the region?
**Dr. Rossi:** The Italian government’s strong condemnation is essential. It sends a message that attacks on peacekeepers will not be tolerated, which might prompt a reevaluation of how different parties interact with the UNIFIL mission. However, it may also escalate tensions if additional military measures are considered. The EU and other actors will need to push for dialog and accountability while ensuring the safety of their personnel on the ground.
**Interviewer:** Additionally, the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants against Israeli officials accused of war crimes in Gaza. How is this influencing Western relations, particularly with the U.S.?
**Dr. Rossi:** The ICC’s decisions can create rifts, as we are currently seeing with the U.S. reaction, which labels the warrants as “scandalous.” Notably, President Biden’s comments highlight a significant divide in how Western nations view accountability in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This divergence can strain alliances, especially if European nations push for more stringent actions against Israel that the U.S. opposes.
**Interviewer:** With continuing violence, what steps can be taken to protect peacekeepers and civilians caught in these conflicts?
**Dr. Rossi:** Immediate measures should be focused on enforcing ceasefires and providing safe corridors for peacekeepers. It’s imperative to engage in robust diplomatic efforts to ensure that all parties recognize their responsibility to protect civilians and peace forces. Long-term, fostering dialog and finding sustainable solutions to the underlying conflicts are essential to prevent these types of attacks from occurring again.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for your insights. It’s clear that the situation remains volatile, and international stakeholders will need to tread carefully moving forward.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial we continue shedding light on these issues as they evolve.
