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 Italian soldiers who were injured, 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 Italian government’s response to the attack influence its military operations in the region?
**Interview with Military Analyst Dr. Maria Rossi on Recent Attacks on Unifil Base in Lebanon**
**Interviewer**: Dr. Rossi, thank you for joining us. Can you provide some context on the recent attack on the Unifil base in southern Lebanon, where four Italian soldiers were injured?
**Dr. Rossi**: Thank you for having me. The recent attack on the Unifil base highlights the ongoing volatility in southern Lebanon, particularly involving groups like Hezbollah. It’s distressing that these peacekeepers, who are tasked with maintaining stability in the region, are being targeted. The rockets reportedly hit operational areas, causing injuries rather than fatalities, which is a small mercy in such a tragic situation.
**Interviewer**: There have been reports suggesting these rockets might belong to Hezbollah. What implications does this have for the peacekeeping mission?
**Dr. Rossi**: If the rockets do indeed trace back to Hezbollah, it raises serious questions about the group’s intentions and the safety of international personnel stationed in Lebanon. The peacekeeping forces are meant to provide a buffer against conflict, and such attacks threaten their operational integrity. It could lead to increased tensions not only between Hezbollah and UN forces but might also have consequences for Lebanese governance.
**Interviewer**: The Italian Minister of Defense and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have both condemned the attack. What steps do you think they might take next?
**Dr. Rossi**: It’s likely we’ll see a robust diplomatic response aimed at both the Lebanese government and potentially Israel, given the complex relationships in the region. The Italian government may seek guarantees for the safety of its forces and may push for investigations into the incident to hold those responsible accountable. Collectively, these actions could also influence their military posture in the region, which might include increasing protective measures for their troops.
**Interviewer**: How do you assess the broader implications of rising violence against peacekeepers in Lebanon?
**Dr. Rossi**: Attacks against peacekeepers can lead to a deterioration of stability in the region. It sends a negative signal regarding the ability of international forces to operate safely and effectively. Should such incidents increase, it might compel nations to reconsider their participation in peacekeeping missions, thereby undermining efforts to stabilize complicated and volatile areas like southern Lebanon. This cycle of violence can affect not just local populations but also international relations.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for your insights on this pressing issue.
**Dr. Rossi**: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to continue the dialog on these matters, as they are integral to future peace and stability in the region.
