Four Italian UNIFIL Peacekeepers Injured in Lebanon Amid…

Four Italian UNIFIL peacekeepers were injured in southern Lebanon due to a rocket attack, likely fired by Hezbollah. The Italian government condemned the attacks, while Argentina announced its withdrawal from the mission. UNIFIL has been facing increasing violence since the invasion by Israel began on September 30, 2023.

This morning, four peacekeepers from the Italian contingent of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were reported injured following a rocket attack on their base in southern Lebanon. This incident involved two rockets hitting the Chamaa base, with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah or affiliated forces being identified as the likely perpetrators. Fortunately, the injuries sustained by the peacekeepers were non-life threatening, and they are currently receiving medical treatment at the base’s hospital.

The Italian government, represented by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, expressed profound indignation over the attack, stating, “Such attacks are unacceptable and I renew my call for the parties on the ground to ensure, at all times, the safety of UNIFIL soldiers.” Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto emphasized the need for the UNIFIL contingent to continue its peacekeeping efforts without being subjected to attacks from militias.

Italy has a significant military presence in the UNIFIL mission, contributing 1,044 soldiers, making it the second-largest contributor to the force, which comprises approximately 10,150 peacekeepers from 48 nations. Despite UNIFIL working to monitor the Lebanese-Israeli border and maintain peace since its establishment in 1978, it faces ongoing threats. This incident marks the third attack on the Chamaa base within a week.

Argentina has decided to withdraw its three soldiers from the UNIFIL mission, positioning itself as the sole country to do so amidst increasing violence due to the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, Israel continues its military operations in Lebanon, resulting in significant casualties on both sides since October 8, 2023. As the situation escalates, calls for the protection of peacekeepers and the cessation of violence remain critical.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was established in 1978 with a mission to maintain peace and security in the border areas between Israel and Lebanon. After the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war, UNIFIL’s authority was expanded under Resolution 1701, increasing troop deployments and enhancing the mandate to monitor ceasefire violations. Recent escalations in military operations and violence have jeopardized the safety of peacekeepers operating in this volatile region, prompting numerous peacekeeping contributing nations to reassess their roles in the mission. The situation escalated dramatically after Israel’s ground invasion on September 30, 2023, which has seen a significant increase in both Israeli military operations in Lebanon and retaliatory actions from Hezbollah. The international community remains concerned about the impact these developments may have on regional stability, prompting discussions about the safety and effectiveness of peacekeeping forces.

The recent rocket attack on the Italian UNIFIL base underscores the precarious situation faced by peacekeepers in southern Lebanon amidst ongoing violence. The Italian government has reaffirmed its commitment to peacekeeping in the region, while Argentina’s withdrawal marks a notable change within the mission’s troop composition. As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah persists, UNIFIL continues to navigate significant challenges to safeguard both its personnel and the local populace.

Original Source: www.al-monitor.com