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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**How might heightened tensions and violence in Southern Lebanon affect the relationship between international peacekeeping forces and local populations?**
**Interview with an Expert on the Recent Attack on Unifil Base in Lebanon**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today. Given the recent attack on the Italian Unifil base in Lebanon, can you explain the significance of these events for international peacekeeping efforts in the region?
**Expert:** Thank you for having me. The attack on the Unifil base is deeply concerning as it highlights the ongoing tensions in Southern Lebanon. Unifil’s primary mission is to maintain peace and security, particularly in areas that are highly volatile. Attacks like this not only pose immediate risks to the peacekeepers but also undermine the stability that these missions are meant to support.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned stability. How do incidents like this impact the trust between peacekeeping forces and local communities?
**Expert:** Trust is crucial for any peacekeeping mission. When peacekeepers are attacked, it creates fear and uncertainty not only among the soldiers but within the communities they serve as well. It can lead to a deterioration of relations between locals and peacekeepers, ultimately making it more difficult to achieve long-term peace. It’s vital that all parties involved respect the safety of peacekeepers to ensure they can operate effectively.
**Interviewer:** Italian authorities have expressed outrage over this attack. How do you see the response from the Italian government influencing the situation on the ground?
**Expert:** The response from the Italian government, especially the expressions of solidarity with the injured soldiers and their families, is important for morale both at home and within the mission. However, it also puts pressure on local authorities and political actors to address security concerns. The Italian government’s strong stance may lead to increased diplomatic engagements aimed at ensuring the safety of their forces, but whether that can translate to tangible improvements on the ground remains to be seen.
**Interviewer:** There have been reports suggesting Hezbollah’s involvement. What does this mean for Iran’s influence in Lebanon and the broader geopolitical landscape?
**Expert:** Hezbollah’s actions are indicative of a broader geopolitical struggle in the region, with Iran’s influence being significant. If Hezbollah continues to target international forces like Unifil, it raises concerns about the stability of Lebanon as a whole and suggests a possible escalation in hostilities. This could lead to a more complicated security environment not only for peacekeepers but for Israel and other regional players as well.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what measures do you believe peacekeeping forces should take to improve their safety in such volatile areas?
**Expert:** Enhanced intelligence gathering and collaboration with local security forces is crucial. Peacekeepers must have a robust understanding of the security landscape to adapt to changing threats. Furthermore, improving relations with local communities can help build a network of trust and support, which is essential for their safety. Ultimately, broader political solutions are needed to address the root causes of conflict in the region.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights. It’s clear that the situation is complex and requires careful navigation by all parties involved.
**Expert:** Thank you for having me. It’s a critical time for peacekeeping efforts, and dialog is essential as we move forward.
