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 measures can the international community take to enhance the safety of peacekeepers in conflict zones like Lebanon?
**Interview with Dr. Alessandro Rossi, International Relations Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Rossi. We have seen recent reports regarding the attack on the Italian UNIFIL base in southern Lebanon, where four Italian soldiers were injured. What are your thoughts on the significance of this incident?
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. This incident is quite alarming as it reflects the ongoing instability in southern Lebanon and highlights the risks that peacekeepers face in such volatile regions. The reported involvement of Hezbollah raises concerns about the escalation of tensions, not only for the Italian contingent but also for the broader stability of the region.
**Interviewer:** Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed deep indignation regarding the attacks. How important is it for national leaders to respond to such events?
**Dr. Rossi:** It’s crucial. A strong response from national leaders is necessary to show solidarity with the affected soldiers and to reaffirm their commitment to international peacekeeping efforts. This also sends a message to both allies and adversaries that such attacks are unacceptable and will not go unnoticed. A clear stance can help mitigate potential violence and reinforce the international community’s support for peacekeeping missions.
**Interviewer:** The Italian Defense Minister mentioned reaching out to his Lebanese counterpart. How does communication between military and political leaders in such contexts play a role in conflict resolution?
**Dr. Rossi:** Communication is key in conflict resolution. Direct dialog can help clarify intentions and reduce misunderstandings that might escalate into violence. It’s important for military leaders to coordinate with their political counterparts to ensure that military operations align with diplomatic efforts, thereby presenting a united front against the threats posed by militia groups.
**Interviewer:** Given the ongoing tensions, what steps should the international community take to ensure the safety of peacekeepers like those in the UNIFIL mission?
**Dr. Rossi:** The international community should first emphasize the importance of respecting the sovereignty and safety of peacekeeping missions. This includes stronger diplomatic measures, increased monitoring of militia activities, and potentially more robust mandates for peacekeeping forces. There’s also a need for better rules of engagement and coordination between peacekeeping forces and local authorities to ensure they can operate safely and effectively in potentially hostile environments.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Rossi. As this situation develops, it will be interesting to see how diplomatic talks unfold and what further actions are taken to protect international peacekeeping efforts.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. It’s vital we continue to pay attention to these developments and advocate for the safety of those working towards peace in volatile regions.
