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 might Hezbollah’s involvement in these attacks influence the Lebanese government’s stance towards international peacekeeping forces?
**Interview with Defense Expert Dr. Marco Rossi on Recent Rocket Attacks on Unifil Base in Lebanon**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Rossi. Let’s start with the recent rocket attacks on the Italian Unifil base in southern Lebanon. What can you tell us about the implications of these attacks for peacekeeping operations in the region?
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. The recent attacks, which injured four Italian soldiers, highlight the increasing risks faced by peacekeeping forces like Unifil in volatile areas. Such incidents not only compromise the safety of the personnel involved but also undermine the overall mission of fostering peace and stability in southern Lebanon. If the security situation deteriorates, it could lead to a reevaluation of international presence and mandate in the area.
**Interviewer:** The rockets are reportedly linked to Hezbollah. How does this affect the relationship between the Lebanese government and the international community?
**Dr. Rossi:** Hezbollah’s alleged involvement raises significant concerns. The Lebanese government has a duty to maintain control over all armed groups within its territory, and any failure to do so could strain its relationships with international partners. Countries providing support to Lebanon, including Italy and others involved in Unifil, may demand accountability and action from the Lebanese authorities to ensure the safety of peacekeepers.
**Interviewer:** Italian President Giorgia Meloni and Defense Minister Guido Crosetto both expressed outrage over the attacks. What does their response suggest about Italy’s commitment to the Unifil mission?
**Dr. Rossi:** Their strong statements reflect Italy’s commitment to the Unifil mission and its peacekeeping role in Lebanon. Italy has a long history of participation in international peacekeeping missions, and managing these recent threats is crucial. By publicly denouncing these attacks and reaffirming support for the soldiers, the government is signaling its dedication to both the mission and the safety of its forces.
**Interviewer:** Minister Crosetto mentioned the need to prevent the use of Unifil bases as shields. How important is it for peacekeeping missions to maintain neutrality?
**Dr. Rossi:** Maintaining neutrality is essential for the legitimacy and effectiveness of any peacekeeping mission. If armed groups use peacekeeping bases as cover, it can jeopardize the mission’s credibility and safety. Ensuring that these bases remain sanctuaries for humanitarian work, rather than targets of conflict, is vital for both the local population’s safety and the morale of peacekeeping forces.
**Interviewer:** Given the current situation, what steps do you think the international community should take?
**Dr. Rossi:** The international community needs to reinforce its support for Unifil and ensure that Lebanese authorities fulfill their responsibilities towards security. Additionally, diplomatic efforts must be ramped up to engage regional players in dialog to de-escalate tensions. It is crucial that there is a collective effort to address the root causes of violence in the region to create a more stable environment for both civilians and peacekeepers.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for your insights on this pressing issue.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for a swift resolution and safety for all involved.