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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What are the potential consequences of attacks on UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon for regional stability and international peacekeeping efforts?
**Interview with Dr. Anna Rossi, International Relations Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Rossi. There has been a recent escalation of violence in southern Lebanon, particularly with attacks on UNIFIL bases, which has drawn strong reactions from the Italian government and the EU. Can you elaborate on the implications of these attacks?
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. The attacks on UNIFIL bases are quite significant as they undermine the security and peacekeeping efforts in the region. International peacekeepers, such as those from Italy’s UNIFIL mission, are there to stabilize the area and prevent further conflict. Attacking these forces not only poses a risk to the lives of peacekeepers but also violates international law and agreements aimed at maintaining peace.
**Interviewer:** The Italian Defense Minister expressed outrage over these incidents, highlighting the need for all parties to guarantee the safety of UNIFIL soldiers. How critical is international cooperation in situations like these?
**Dr. Rossi:** International cooperation is crucial in conflict resolution and peacekeeping missions. The situation in Lebanon necessitates collaboration not just among the nations involved but also with organizations like the United Nations. It is essential that all parties honor their commitments to ensure the safety of peacekeepers and refrain from using them as shields during military actions.
**Interviewer:** We are also witnessing a divide within the international community regarding the ICC’s recent arrest warrants against Israeli officials accused of war crimes. What can you tell us about the potential impact of these warrants on Israeli and Palestinian relations?
**Dr. Rossi:** The ICC’s actions indeed add another layer of complexity to an already fraught landscape. The issuance of arrest warrants could potentially heighten tensions within Israel and further polarize opinions globally. It also complicates diplomatic approaches in addressing the ongoing conflict, as it may deter some from engaging fully in peace talks. The response from U.S. President Biden, describing the ICC’s moves as “scandalous,” indicates a strong alliance with Israel that may overshadow calls for accountability and justice, making it difficult to achieve a balanced perspective on the issues at hand.
**Interviewer:** What message do you think the international community should send to all parties involved following these developments?
**Dr. Rossi:** The message should be one of accountability and commitment to peace. All actors involved must recognise their roles in perpetuating the conflict and must actively engage in dialogue aimed at resolution. This includes an urgent need to respect international law, protect civilians, and prioritize humanitarian aid. Only through a cooperative approach can we hope for progress in the region.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Rossi. It’s clear that we need a concerted international effort to navigate these challenges.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for discussing such important issues. I hope for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflicts.