Four Italian UNIFIL peacekeepers were injured by rocket fire in southern Lebanon, attributed to Hezbollah. This incident is part of escalating hostilities, resulting in Argentina withdrawing its troops from the mission amid increasing violence. Political leaders have condemned the attacks and stressed the importance of protecting peacekeepers operating under challenging conditions.
Four Italian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) sustained injuries during an incident involving the strike of two rockets on their base in Chamaa, southern Lebanon. The attack, attributed to Hezbollah or associated factions, has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of peacekeeping operations in the region. Fortunately, the injuries sustained are not life-threatening, and the affected personnel are receiving treatment at the base hospital. This incident marks the third attack on the Chamaa base within one week, adding to the mounting tensions the UNIFIL forces are facing amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her outrage via a statement on social media, asserting that attacks against UN peacekeepers are intolerable. She urged all parties involved to guarantee the safety of these soldiers. Meanwhile, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has reiterated Italy’s commitment to maintaining its presence in Lebanon, emphasizing that the UNIFIL contingent will continue to work towards peace despite the ongoing threats from militias.
The situation has been further complicated by Argentina’s decision to withdraw its minimal contribution of three soldiers from the UNIFIL mission amid increasing security concerns. Following Israel’s persistent military actions following its invasion of Lebanon on September 30, the UN peacekeeping force has faced a series of assaults, with over 25 injuries reported in recent months. Nonetheless, UNIFIL remains dedicated to fulfilling its mandate of ensuring peace and security in the Lebanese border region.
The UNIFIL was established in 1978 to supervise the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon and to restore peace and security in the area. Its mission has since evolved to monitoring ongoing tensions between Israel and Lebanon, particularly regarding Hezbollah’s activities. The force comprises peacekeepers from various countries and has faced increasing threats due to the escalation of conflict in the region, especially following heightened military engagements since late September 2023. Recent attacks on UNIFIL bases underline the vulnerability of these peacekeepers amidst broader geopolitical tensions.
In summary, the situation in southern Lebanon remains precarious, with four Italian UNIFIL peacekeepers injured during a recent rocket attack linked to Hezbollah. This incident highlights the ongoing threats faced by international peacekeepers in the region, as exemplified by Argentina’s decision to withdraw its troops. As hostilities continue, the international community is called to ensure the safety and security of UN peacekeeping forces, reaffirming their crucial role in maintaining stability in Lebanon.
Original Source: www.al-monitor.com
