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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What impact do attacks on UNIFIL bases have on international peacekeeping efforts in Lebanon and the broader region?
**Interview with Military Analyst Marco Rossi on Recent Attacks Against UNIFIL in Lebanon**
**Interviewer:** Good evening, Marco. Thank you for joining us today. We want to discuss the alarming news regarding the attack on the UNIFIL base in southern Lebanon, which resulted in injuries to four Italian soldiers. What are the key implications of this incident?
**Marco Rossi:** Good evening, and thank you for having me. The recent attack is indeed concerning, especially considering it involved a direct strike on a UN peacekeeping mission. It reflects the ongoing volatility in the region, particularly the hostile actions attributed to groups like Hezbollah. Such incidents endanger not only the forces deployed but also the stability of southern Lebanon.
**Interviewer:** The Italian government has expressed strong condemnation of the attacks. What do you think their next steps will be in light of this incident?
**Marco Rossi:** The Italian government is likely to increase diplomatic pressure on both Lebanon and other involved parties to ensure the safety of its troops. As we’ve heard from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, they will likely push for greater accountability and protection mechanisms for UNIFIL personnel. Additionally, there may be discussions with NATO and other allies regarding improved support and intelligence sharing.
**Interviewer:** Minister Crosetto emphasized the need to avoid using UNIFIL bases as shields. What challenges does this present for peacekeeping operations in the area?
**Marco Rossi:** This presents a significant challenge. Peacekeeping operations require neutrality and the ability to operate safely within the host nation. If factions use peacekeeping bases as strategic cover, it complicates the mission’s effectiveness and the safety of the personnel. This necessitates a careful balancing act between maintaining peace and preventing any exploitation of those efforts by local militias.
**Interviewer:** What are the potential repercussions for Hezbollah if they are confirmed to be responsible for these rocket attacks?
**Marco Rossi:** If linked to Hezbollah, the repercussions could be multifaceted. For one, it could escalate military responses not only from the Italian contingent but potentially from other countries involved in UNIFIL. It may also lead to increased pressure from the international community to take stronger stances against Hezbollah, potentially applying sanctions or diplomatic measures. Ultimately, it could further destabilize the region, increasing tensions and hindering any progress towards peace.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Marco. It’s crucial to stay updated as the situation unfolds.
**Marco Rossi:** Thank you for shedding light on this important issue. It’s certainly a developing story that calls for continued attention.
