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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How might the dynamics of Lebanon’s internal factions change in response to international reactions to the attack on the UNIFIL base?
**Interview with Defense Analyst, Dr. Elena Rossi**
**Host:** Good evening, Dr. Rossi. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent attack on the Italian UNIFIL base in southern Lebanon.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** First of all, can you summarize what happened during the attack on the UNIFIL base?
**Dr. Rossi:** Certainly. As reported, two rockets struck the Italian UNIFIL base in Shama, resulting in injuries to four soldiers. The rockets, which are believed to be from Hezbollah, caused significant damage to a bunker and a nearby facility, affecting the infrastructure and injuring personnel due to shattered glass from the explosions.
**Host:** The Italian government has expressed strong condemnation of these attacks. How significant is this incident in the context of Italy’s involvement in peacekeeping operations?
**Dr. Rossi:** This incident is highly significant as it highlights the ongoing volatility in southern Lebanon and the risks that peacekeepers face even in missions aimed at stabilization. Italy has a longstanding commitment to UNIFIL, and attacks like these jeopardize not only the safety of soldiers but also the broader peacekeeping efforts in the region.
**Host:** President Meloni and Minister Crosetto have both spoken out about this attack, calling it unacceptable. What steps do you think the Italian government might take in response?
**Dr. Rossi:** Italy is likely to engage in diplomatic efforts to ensure the safety of its personnel. This could involve dialogues with Lebanese authorities and a renewed appeal to the international community to hold accountable those responsible for such violence. Additionally, there might be discussions with other nations involved in UNIFIL to bolster security measures at the base.
**Host:** You mentioned Hezbollah as a potential source of the rockets. How does this situation impact relations between different factions within Lebanon and foreign peacekeeping forces?
**Dr. Rossi:** The involvement of groups like Hezbollah complicates the security landscape in Lebanon. Their actions can strain relations with both the Lebanese government, which seeks to maintain some semblance of order, and foreign forces like UNIFIL, which are supposed to operate with local support. Moreover, these hostilities often escalate tensions in the region and can lead to a cycle of violence that undermines peace efforts.
**Host:** Given the current dynamics, do you foresee any changes in Italy’s military strategy in Lebanon?
**Dr. Rossi:** While it’s hard to predict, Italy may reassess its military presence and tactics based on the evolving security situation. There could be a stronger emphasis on protective measures for troops or a strategic reevaluation of their engagement rules to ensure their safety without compromising the mission’s objectives.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for your insightful analysis. It’s crucial to remain informed about these developments in such a complex geopolitical situation.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for the opportunity. It’s important to keep the dialog going on these vital issues.