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 against 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.
Video on this topic
“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.”
#Unacceptable #hand #attack #Tempo
How might the involvement of groups like Hezbollah alter the future of international peacekeeping efforts in the region?
**Interview with Military Analyst Dr. Marco Rossi on Recent Attacks Against Unifil Base in Lebanon**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Rossi. The recent rocket attacks on the Unifil base in southern Lebanon have raised significant concerns. What are your thoughts on the implications of such an event for the peacekeeping mission?
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. The attacks on the Unifil base, specifically targeting Italian soldiers, are alarming not only for the safety of the troops but also for the broader stability in the region. Unifil’s presence is crucial for maintaining peace along the Lebanese-Israeli border, and these attacks indicate a significant escalation in hostilities.
**Interviewer:** We heard reports that the rockets fired may belong to Hezbollah. How does this shift the landscape of security in southern Lebanon?
**Dr. Rossi:** If Hezbollah is indeed responsible, it highlights the challenges Unifil faces. Hezbollah’s continued military capability poses a risk to peacekeepers and civilian populations alike. This situation complicates the relationship between UN forces and local militias, as peacekeepers could be seen as targets rather than neutral parties.
**Interviewer:** Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the attacks and emphasized the need for safety for Unifil soldiers. How do you see the Italian government responding to these threats?
**Dr. Rossi:** The Italian government is likely to increase diplomatic pressure, both on Lebanon and potentially on Israel, to ensure the safety of its troops. Prime Minister Meloni’s remarks suggest a commitment to maintaining the peacekeeping mission while seeking accountability for the attacks. This dual approach—maintaining military presence while pursuing diplomatic avenues—is essential for Italy’s role in Unifil.
**Interviewer:** What can be done to mitigate risks for peacekeepers moving forward?
**Dr. Rossi:** Enhancing intelligence-sharing between international forces and local authorities can improve situational awareness. Additionally, increasing cooperation with the Lebanese armed forces is critical. addressing the root causes of violence—namely, the presence of militias like Hezbollah—could contribute to long-term stability.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Rossi. It’s crucial we stay informed on this complex situation as it develops.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. It’s important to keep the dialog open and ensure that peacekeepers can operate safely and effectively.
