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.
Video on this topic
“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.”
#Unacceptable #hand #attack #Tempo
How might the Italian government’s response to the attacks influence diplomatic relations and security measures in the region?
**Interview with Defense Analyst, Dr. Marco Rossi, on Recent Attacks on UNIFIL Bases in Lebanon**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Rossi. We’ve just heard about the recent attacks on the UNIFIL base in Lebanon that injured four Italian soldiers. Can you provide some context on the situation?
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. This incident is indeed alarming and highlights the ongoing volatility in Southern Lebanon. The attacks reportedly involved rockets, possibly fired by Hezbollah, which has a significant presence in the region. The fact that these peacekeepers were targeted raises serious concerns about the safety of international forces engaged in peacekeeping missions.
**Interviewer:** President Giorgia Meloni expressed deep concern and called the attacks unacceptable. How significant is this response from the Italian government in terms of international relations and security?
**Dr. Rossi:** Meloni’s statement is very important. It signifies the Italian government’s support for its troops, while also sending a message to both the attackers and other factions involved in the conflict. It demonstrates Italy’s commitment to the peacekeeping mission and the safety of its soldiers. This could lead to diplomatic discussions about protecting UN forces and addressing the growing threats in the region.
**Interviewer:** The Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, also mentioned contacting his Lebanese counterpart and plans to speak with the Israeli Defense Minister. What impact could these dialogues have on the ground?
**Dr. Rossi:** These discussions are crucial. Engaging with the Lebanese authorities is essential for coordinating security measures and ensuring the protection of peacekeepers. Dialogue with Israel is also important, as there have been ongoing tensions along the border. By clearly expressing Italy’s position, Crosetto can advocate for measures that prevent the misuse of UN positions and ensure they are not caught in the crossfire of regional conflicts.
**Interviewer:** Many are concerned about the repeated targeting of UN bases. What are the broader implications for UNIFIL and international peacekeeping efforts?
**Dr. Rossi:** The repeated attacks on UNIFIL bases could undermine the effectiveness of peacekeeping missions globally. If peacekeepers cannot operate safely, it raises questions about the future of such missions. It might lead to a reevaluation of the presence of international forces in Lebanon and could deter other nations from contributing troops. The safety and security of peacekeepers must be prioritized to maintain the credibility of international peacekeeping efforts.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for your insights on this critical issue. It’s clear that the situation requires urgent attention from both local and international communities.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. The situation is complex, and ongoing dialog is essential for ensuring peace and stability in the region.