The Italian government recently protested against the Israeli authorities for an attack on the headquarters and two Italian bases of the UN peace mission in southern Lebanon. Defence Minister Crosetto referred to the incident as possible war crimes, emphasizing that the acts were unacceptable. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed strong support for the Italian military involved in the UNIFIL mission, highlighting their valuable work for stabilizing the region.
Crosetto condemned the deliberate attacks on the UNIFIL headquarters and Italian bases, stating that there were no injuries among the Italian peacekeepers but the situation was totally unacceptable. He stressed that the Italian government cannot take orders from the Israeli government and any actions putting soldiers at risk must be avoided. A meeting of the countries contributing to the UN peacekeeping mission was called to address the issue, with a focus on ensuring the safety of military personnel.
In response to the incident, Israel’s ambassador to Italy was summoned by the government. The Israeli ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, recommended that UNIFIL move five kilometers north to avoid danger due to escalating fighting and Hezbollah aggression. However, this request was rejected, with UNIFIL emphasizing the importance of maintaining a presence in southern Lebanon to support peace and stability. Targeting peacekeepers is considered a serious violation of international humanitarian law and the UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
The Italian government reiterated its support for the Italian military deployed in Lebanon and called for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further hostilities. Defence Minister Crosetto contacted his Israeli counterpart to protest the unacceptable actions near the Italian UNIFIL bases. He emphasized the priority of ensuring the safety of Italian military personnel and called for measures to avert any potential risks to soldiers on the ground. The situation was described as under control, with a focus on continuing the mediation and support for peace efforts in Lebanon.
In a bid to address the escalating tensions, a meeting of the countries contributing to the UN peacekeeping mission was called by Defence Minister Crosetto, along with his French counterpart. The call for UNIFIL to move north was met with resistance, with the mission emphasizing the importance of their presence in southern Lebanon. The focus remains on monitoring the situation and providing assistance, while international bodies may have to determine the future of the mission based on the evolving circumstances. The Italian government continues to advocate for peace and stability in the region, condemning any actions that jeopardize the safety of UN peacekeepers.
