Italy Protests After Attacks on UNIFIL Bases in Lebanon
On Thursday, Italy officially lodged a complaint against Israel following attacks on the headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and two Italian military bases. The incident prompted Defence Minister Guido Crosetto to summon the Israeli ambassador to Italy for discussions.
According to reports from UNIFIL spokespersons, two Indonesian peacekeepers suffered injuries due to fire from Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) tanks targeting an observation turret; however, no Italian personnel from the contingent of approximately 1,000 soldiers stationed in Lebanon were reported hurt.
The situation has drawn serious military and diplomatic attention, as the Italian government reiterated its stance on the unacceptable nature of the situation surrounding the UNIFIL base. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni highlighted her concern in a conversation with General Messina, the commander of the Western Sector of UNIFIL. In her statement, she expressed strong support for the Italian soldiers currently engaged in peacekeeping operations in Lebanon as part of both the UN mission and the bilateral MIBIL operation.
Meloni noted the continuing vital contributions of Italian forces towards the stabilization of the region in accordance with the United Nations mandate. The government has reiterated its commitment to the crucial role that UNIFIL plays in Southern Lebanon, urging efforts towards cessation of hostilities and deescalation of tensions in the area.
Minister Crosetto condemned the attacks, describing them as intolerable incidents that should be decisively prevented in the future. He communicated his protests to his counterpart in Israel as well as to the Israeli ambassador in Italy. Furthermore, a formal communication has been dispatched to the United Nations, reiterating Italy's condemnation of the recent events in Southern Lebanon and assuring Italy's constructive collaboration for military initiatives aimed at promoting deescalation and restoring international law.
The safety of Italian soldiers deployed in Lebanon remains a paramount priority for both Crosetto and the Italian government, ensuring that peacekeepers can continue their crucial work in mediating and supporting peace and stability throughout Lebanon and the wider region.
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