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.”
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What are the main causes of the recent attacks against UNIFIL in Lebanon?
**Interview with Security Analyst Dr. Laura Verdi on Recent Attacks Against UNIFIL in Lebanon**
**Interviewer:** Good evening, Dr. Verdi. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent attack on the UNIFIL base in Lebanon, where four Italian soldiers were injured. What are your thoughts on this situation?
**Dr. Verdi:** Thank you for having me. The recent rocket attacks on the UNIFIL base are indeed concerning and reflect the ongoing volatility in the region. The use of rockets, potentially linked to Hezbollah, indicates a serious escalation in hostilities that directly threaten peacekeeping efforts.
**Interviewer:** We’ve seen statements from Italian officials expressing outrage and solidarity with the wounded soldiers. How important are these communications for both military personnel and the families involved?
**Dr. Verdi:** Such statements are vital. They provide reassurance not only to the soldiers and their families but also reinforce public support for peacekeeping missions abroad. They portray a united front against aggression and signal to the local and international community that such actions will not go unpunished. The commitment from leadership to ensure safety and accountability is crucial for maintaining morale among the troops.
**Interviewer:** Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto mentioned that UNIFIL must not become a target for militia attacks. What steps can be taken to enhance the safety of peacekeeping forces?
**Dr. Verdi:** First, the presence of peacekeepers must be actively supported by diplomatic efforts to engage all parties involved in the conflict. Additionally, enhanced security measures, including better surveillance and intelligence sharing, can help preempt attacks. International cooperation is also essential; this means backing UNIFIL with political will and resources to deter aggression effectively.
**Interviewer:** Given the ongoing tensions in Southern Lebanon, do you foresee this situation escalating further? What impact could that have on EU foreign policy?
**Dr. Verdi:** The potential for escalation is always present, especially with factions like Hezbollah involved. If attacks on peacekeepers increase, we may witness a stronger military response, which could lead to a broader conflict. For the EU, this may necessitate a reevaluation of its engagement strategy in the region, possibly leading to increased diplomatic pressure on both local governments and militia groups to foster stability.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Verdi, for your insights on this pressing issue. It highlights the complexity of peacekeeping in a volatile region.
**Dr. Verdi:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial for the international community to remain vigilant and proactive in supporting peace and stability in Lebanon.