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 are international political leaders likely to respond to the increased threats against UN peacekeepers following the attack on the Italian contingent?
**Interview with a Defense Expert on Unifil Attack in Lebanon**
**Host:** Good evening, and welcome to our special segment on recent events in Lebanon concerning the Italian contingent of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil). Joining us today is Dr. Marco Salvi, an expert in international relations and peacekeeping operations. Thank you for being here, Dr. Salvi.
**Dr. Salvi:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Dr. Salvi, we’ve just heard about the alarming incident where two rockets struck the Unifil base in southern Lebanon, injuring four Italian soldiers. What does this mean for the stability of the region and the ongoing peacekeeping efforts?
**Dr. Salvi:** This incident highlights the precarious security situation in southern Lebanon and poses serious questions about the challenges facing UN peacekeepers. The fact that Unifil has been targeted raises concerns about the safety of international forces on the ground, which could deter countries from contributing troops or resources.
**Host:** Italian President Giorgia Meloni has expressed serious concerns about these attacks and emphasized the importance of protecting Unifil soldiers. How might political leaders respond to ensure the safety of peacekeepers?
**Dr. Salvi:** Political leaders must engage in dialog with all relevant parties on the ground, including Lebanon and Hezbollah, to create a safer environment for peacekeepers. This might also involve reinforcing mandates and operational strategies for Unifil, alongside diplomatic efforts to hold those responsible for such attacks accountable.
**Host:** Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto mentioned the need to avoid using Unifil bases as shields. Can you elaborate on what he meant by this?
**Dr. Salvi:** This statement reflects a critical issue: when military groups use civilian areas or facilities occupied by peacekeepers as cover, it endangers those peacekeepers and complicates the mission. Such tactics risk blurring the lines between combatants and non-combatants, potentially putting both civilians and international forces at greater risk.
**Host:** What can be expected in terms of Italy’s response following this attack?
**Dr. Salvi:** Italy is likely to reinforce its commitment to the peacekeeping mission, ensuring that its troops are adequately protected. Internally, there might be discussions about enhancement of security measures and whether the Italian contingent needs reinforcements. Externally, Italy will call for greater international support for Unifil and may seek to bolster its diplomatic engagements in the region.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Salvi, for your insights on this critical situation. It’s clear that the path forward for peacekeeping efforts in Lebanon is fraught with obstacles, but continued international cooperation can be key.
**Dr. Salvi:** Absolutely. Thank you for having me.
**Host:** And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. We will keep you updated on this evolving situation.
