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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**Question 1:** What measures can international organizations take to improve the safety and security of UN peacekeeping forces in conflict zones like Lebanon?
### Interview with Expert on Recent Rocket Attacks on Unifil Base in Lebanon
**Interviewer:** Good evening, and thank you for joining us. Today, we’re discussing the recent rocket attacks on the Unifil base in southern Lebanon, which resulted in injuries to four Italian soldiers. With us is Dr. Marco Rossi, an expert on Middle Eastern conflicts and peacekeeping missions. Dr. Rossi, what is your immediate reaction to these attacks?
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. My immediate reaction is one of deep concern. These attacks on peacekeepers, particularly those involved in the Unifil mission, highlight the dangers they face in a complex and volatile environment. The reported involvement of weapons linked to Hezbollah raises serious implications for the security situation in the region.
**Interviewer:** Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has expressed her solidarity with the injured soldiers. What does her statement say about Italy’s commitment to its peacekeeping mission in Lebanon?
**Dr. Rossi:** Prime Minister Meloni’s statement underscores a strong commitment from the Italian government to both the safety of its soldiers and the broader peacekeeping mission. By publicly articulating the unacceptability of these attacks and calling for accountability, she is reinforcing Italy’s role as a key player in maintaining stability in Lebanon. It’s a message of support for the troops on the ground amid the risks they encounter.
**Interviewer:** The Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, has highlighted the importance of not allowing militia attacks to endanger the Italian contingent. How does this sentiment reflect on international peacekeeping operations?
**Dr. Rossi:** Minister Crosetto’s remarks reflect a crucial understanding of the challenges faced by international peacekeeping forces. It is vital to maintain the integrity of these missions so they can effectively contribute to peace and security. His call for clarity and cooperation with local leaders, including his efforts to engage with the new Israeli Defense Minister, is essential in navigating the intricate political landscape of the region.
**Interviewer:** Given the context of ongoing tensions in Lebanon and the threats posed by groups like Hezbollah, what can be done to enhance the safety of peacekeepers?
**Dr. Rossi:** Enhancing the safety of peacekeepers involves several strategies. Firstly, it requires robust international support for the missions, which includes diplomatic efforts to promote dialog among conflicting parties. Secondly, on-ground security measures must be strengthened to protect the bases and personnel. Lastly, there needs to be a consistent effort to address the underlying political issues driving violence, ensuring that peacekeepers are not caught in the crossfire of local conflicts.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for your insights on this pressing issue. The safety of peacekeepers is indeed a critical topic as we seek to achieve lasting peace in regions marked by conflict.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we continue to advocate for the safety of those who put themselves in harm’s way to protect others.