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.
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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 long-term effects of the recent attack on the Italian UNIFIL base in Lebanon on future international peacekeeping missions in the region?
**Interview with Defense Expert Dr. Maria Rossi on the Recent Attack on Italian UNIFIL Base in Lebanon**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Rossi. Let’s discuss the recent attack on the Italian contingent at the UNIFIL base in Lebanon. Can you explain the implications of this incident for international peacekeeping efforts in the region?
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. The attack on the Italian UNIFIL base is quite alarming and highlights the persistent risks faced by peacekeepers in volatile regions. It signals a growing disregard for international protocols regarding the protection of those engaged in peacekeeping missions. Such incidents not only threaten the safety of the troops but also undermine the legitimacy of peacekeeping efforts, making it more difficult for these missions to fulfill their objectives.
**Interviewer:** We understand that the rockets fired could be attributed to Hezbollah. What does this tell us about the current security dynamics in southern Lebanon?
**Dr. Rossi:** The involvement of groups like Hezbollah is a complex issue. It suggests that there is still significant tension and hostility towards UN forces operating in the area. Hezbollah’s actions may reflect broader regional conflicts and the factional rivalries within Lebanon itself. This incident could be interpreted as a show of defiance against the presence of foreign troops, which complicates the already fragile security situation. It further complicates relations between Lebanon and entities like Italy, who are trying to promote peace.
**Interviewer:** President Giorgia Meloni expressed deep concern over the safety of the troops and condemned the attack. How important is political support from home for the troops on the ground?
**Dr. Rossi:** Political support is crucial for the morale of the troops and their operational effectiveness. Statements from leaders like President Meloni not only reassure the soldiers but also demonstrate to the international community that Italy takes its commitments seriously. Furthermore, strong diplomatic backing is essential for ensuring that initiatives aimed at securing peace and stability are prioritized and respected by local actors in Lebanon.
**Interviewer:** Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto mentioned efforts to engage with the new Israeli Defense Minister regarding the situation. What role does communication between neighboring countries play in maintaining peace in such conflict-prone areas?
**Dr. Rossi:** Communication and collaboration between neighboring countries are vital for managing tensions and preventing incidents like this one from escalating. Dialogue can help address misunderstandings and coordinate responses to threats. It is also crucial for maintaining a united front against extremist elements that threaten both peacekeepers and civilians. Without these channels open, there is a risk that conflicts could spiral out of control, impacting not only the region but also international security more broadly.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for your insights. The situation remains tense, and we appreciate your expertise in understanding these complex issues surrounding peacekeeping in Lebanon.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. It’s important to keep the conversation going about the challenges faced by peacekeepers and the necessity of global cooperation in promoting peace.