Outrage over yet another episode against the peacekeepers in Lebanon. Four Italian soldiers from the Unifil mission were injured following the launch of two 122 mm rockets fired at the UNP 2-3 base in Shama, in southern Lebanon, which hosts the Italian contingent and the Western Sector Command of Unifil. The military would not be serious. According to the initial reconstruction of the Ministry of Defense, the two rockets hit a bunker on the base and a room near the international military police, causing damage to the surrounding infrastructure. Some glass shattered due to the explosion, hitting the four soldiers. The two rockets could belong to Hezbollah, as reported by Rainews 24.
“I learn with deep indignation and concern the news of the new attacks suffered by the Italian headquarters of Unifil in southern Lebanon, which also caused the wounding of some of our soldiers engaged in a peacekeeping mission”, states the president of I recommend Giorgia Meloni. “I would like to express my and the Government’s solidarity and closeness to the wounded, their families and sincere gratitude for the activity carried out daily by the entire Italian contingent in Lebanon. I reiterate once again”, continues Meloni, “that such attacks are unacceptable and I renew my appeal for the parties on the ground to guarantee, at all times, the safety of Unifil soldiers and to collaborate to quickly identify those responsible”.
“I immediately contacted the Commander of the Contingent, Brigadier General Stefano Messina – says the Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto – to make sure of the conditions of the four soldiers, who do not cause concern. I also contacted my Lebanese counterpart reiterating that the Italian contingent of Unifil remains in southern Lebanon to offer a window of opportunity for peace and cannot become hostage to militia attacks. It is intolerable that once again a Unifil base has been established hit.” “I will try to speak to the new Israeli Defense Minister – he adds – which has been impossible since his inauguration until today, to ask him to avoid using the Unifil bases as a shield. Even more intolerable is the presence of terrorists in Southern Lebanon which jeopardize the safety of the peacekeepers and the civilian population” declared the minister.
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“In wishing a speedy recovery to the four injured Italian soldiers, I would also like to express my total disappointment and my firm condemnation for yet another serious and unacceptable missile launch against the UNIFIL headquarters in southern Lebanon. Finally, our gratitude goes to all our women and men in uniform, engaged under the aegis of the UN in a very delicate area of the Middle East”, commented Ignazio La Russa, president of the Senate of the Republic.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told Sky Tg 24 about the soldiers involved: “It seems that none of these have serious injuries. They are bruises, only one lieutenant seems to have light wounds, they do not appear to be serious injuries. None of them They are in danger, their injuries are not serious. Fortunately, things happened in the right direction even if what happened is unacceptable and intolerable.”
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What are the potential repercussions for international peacekeeping missions following the attacks on UNIFIL in Lebanon?
**Interview with Defense Analyst Dr. Marco Lazzaro on Recent Attacks Against UNIFIL in Lebanon**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Lazzaro. There has been a concerning recent incident where two rockets struck the UNIFIL base in Shama, injuring four Italian soldiers. What can you tell us about the implications of this attack?
**Dr. Lazzaro:** Thank you for having me. This attack is significant as it not only injured our peacekeepers but also highlights the ongoing volatility in southern Lebanon. The fact that the rockets are believed to be linked to Hezbollah suggests a deliberate targeting of UN forces, which raises serious concerns about the security of international peacekeeping missions in the region.
**Interviewer:** President Giorgia Meloni expressed deep indignation and called these attacks unacceptable. What can you say about the government’s response to such incidents?
**Dr. Lazzaro:** The government’s immediate solidarity with the injured soldiers and their families is important. By expressing gratitude for the Italian contingent’s efforts, it reinforces the commitment to peacekeeping. However, the challenge lies in how effectively the government can address the root causes of these attacks and ensure the safety of its troops in the region. The insistence on identifying those responsible is crucial for accountability and deterrence.
**Interviewer:** Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto emphasized that the Italian forces should not become hostages to militia attacks. What does this imply for Italy’s military strategy in Lebanon?
**Dr. Lazzaro:** Minister Crosetto’s remarks indicate a firm stance against allowing UNIFIL to be used as a shield by any party involved. This could suggest a shift towards a more proactive approach in ensuring the security of Italian peacekeepers. It may involve stronger diplomatic efforts, enhanced cooperation with local authorities, and possibly a review of their operational protocols to mitigate risks against such future attacks.
**Interviewer:** Given the tensions in the region, especially with Hezbollah’s involvement, what challenges do you foresee for peacekeeping missions like UNIFIL?
**Dr. Lazzaro:** The challenges are multifaceted. Politically, there’s the risk of escalating confrontations between armed groups and the Lebanese state, which can undermine the legitimacy of the UNIFIL mission. Additionally, there’s the persistent threat of violent incidents like this one that could jeopardize the safety of peacekeepers and civilians alike. The international community must prioritize dialog and cooperation among all parties to stabilize the situation and ensure the mission’s effectiveness.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Lazzaro, for your insights on this critical issue. It remains to be seen how the situation unfolds, but your analysis sheds light on the potential paths forward for international peacekeeping in Lebanon.
**Dr. Lazzaro:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we remain vigilant and informed about these developments as they directly impact both regional stability and the safety of our soldiers.
