Four Italian peacekeepers were injured in a rocket attack at their UNIFIL base in Lebanon, attributed to Hezbollah. Prime Minister Meloni condemned the attack, while Argentina announced its withdrawal from UNIFIL amid the ongoing conflict. The situation remains tense with significant casualties reported on both sides.
Four Italian peacekeepers serving in the UNIFIL operation in Lebanon have sustained injuries following a rocket attack at their base in Chamaa on Friday. According to UNIFIL, the rocket strike involved two 120-mm projectiles, which are believed to have originated from Hezbollah or related factions. Fortunately, the injuries are non-life-threatening, and the personnel are receiving treatment at the base hospital. This incident marks the third attack on the peacekeeping forces within the same week, raising concerns about the safety of UNIFIL personnel amid ongoing hostilities in the region.
Italian officials have vocally condemned the attacks, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressing her outrage on social media, stating that such actions are unequivocally intolerable. She has called for strict measures to ensure the safety of UNIFIL soldiers in the area. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto emphasized the commitment of the Italian contingent to maintaining peace and noted the necessity of protecting peacekeepers from militia aggression.
As tensions escalate, Argentina has announced its withdrawal of troops from the UNIFIL mission, making it the first nation to do so amidst the recent turmoil. The Israeli military continues its operations, resulting in significant casualties on both sides, emphasizing the critical need for diplomatic efforts to restore stability in the region. UNIFIL, which has been present since 1978, was established to monitor the Israel-Lebanon border; it currently comprises approximately 10,150 personnel from various countries, though recent attacks are prompting calls for bolstered security measures.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was established in 1978 with a mandate to oversee the cessation of hostilities and assist in the restoration of peace and security in the area following the Lebanon War. The current deployment includes troops from multiple nations, with Italy being one of the largest contributors. The recent hostilities, including the Israeli military’s operations and Hezbollah’s retaliation, have intensified since Israel’s ground invasion of Lebanon began on September 30, 2023, leading to numerous assaults against UNIFIL staff, thus highlighting the precarious nature of peacekeeping in conflict zones.
Recent rocket attacks in southern Lebanon have injured four Italian UNIFIL peacekeepers, prompting international condemnation and raising serious concerns about the safety and security of peacekeeping operations. The situation has escalated further with Argentina’s withdrawal from the mission. This ongoing violence underscores the urgent need for a sustained diplomatic resolution to avoid further casualties and ensure stability in the region.
Original Source: www.al-monitor.com
