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Four Italian soldiers were injured in a rocket attack on the UNIFIL base in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah or affiliated groups are suspected in the attack amid escalating violence in the region.

Italian Soldiers Injured in Rocket Attack on UNIFIL Base in Southern Lebanon

On Friday, a rocket attack targeted the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) headquarters in Shama, southern Lebanon, injuring four Italian soldiers. The rockets, identified as 122mm, struck parts of the base, where peacekeepers had taken shelter following a level-three alert issued due to rising tensions in the region. While the soldiers sustained minor injuries, the incident underscores the increasing risks faced by international peacekeepers amid ongoing conflict in southern Lebanon.

The Attack and Response

Italy’s Defense Ministry confirmed the attack and detailed the damages to the UNIFIL base. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly condemned the attack, calling it “unacceptable” and expressing solidarity with the injured soldiers and their families. “Such attacks cannot be tolerated, and I urge all parties involved to ensure the safety of UNIFIL personnel and promptly identify those responsible,” Meloni said in a statement.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also issued a stern warning, addressing both Hezbollah and Israel. “We have urged Israel to exercise maximum caution, and we now firmly tell Hezbollah that attacks on Italian forces are intolerable,” Tajani stated. His remarks highlighted Italy’s commitment to ensuring the protection of its troops while urging both parties to de-escalate the violence in the region.

Rising Tensions in Southern Lebanon

The attack comes amid escalating violence in southern Lebanon, where UNIFIL personnel have been caught in the crossfire of intensifying clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters. According to UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti, there have been “heavy clashes” in areas such as Naqoura and Chamaa, regions that have seen repeated attacks on UNIFIL posts since Israel launched its ground invasion of Lebanon on October 1. These skirmishes have placed the international peacekeeping mission under significant strain.

Hezbollah, which is a designated terrorist organization by many countries, including the United States and the European Union, has been increasingly active in launching rocket and drone attacks on Israel, which in turn has led to retaliatory Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon. The conflict’s broader context—marked by widespread devastation and escalating hostilities—has created a volatile environment for both local civilians and international peacekeepers in the region.

International Context and Ongoing Conflict

This attack occurs amid growing regional instability, exacerbated by the recent issuance of arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister, and a Hamas military leader. The ICC accuses them of committing war crimes during the 13-month Gaza conflict, which has resulted in over 44,000 Palestinian deaths, including a significant number of women and children. Israel reports that more than 17,000 militants have been killed but has not provided evidence to substantiate this claim.

The ongoing conflict has led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with rising casualties and destruction on both sides. Hezbollah’s increased involvement in attacks on Israeli positions has further complicated efforts for de-escalation, fueling retaliatory airstrikes and exacerbating tensions in the already volatile region.

Implications for Regional Stability and UNIFIL’s Role

The rocket attack on the UNIFIL base and the broader escalation of violence in southern Lebanon signal a dangerous deterioration of regional stability. UNIFIL’s mission—focused on monitoring the ceasefire and assisting in maintaining peace in the aftermath of the 2006 Lebanon War—has become increasingly perilous as Hezbollah’s actions and Israel’s military response intensify.

The safety of UNIFIL personnel, particularly from member states like Italy, has been a growing concern. As hostilities escalate, the international community faces mounting pressure to protect peacekeepers while addressing the underlying issues that continue to fuel the conflict.

Conclusion

The recent rocket attack on the UNIFIL base in southern Lebanon serves as a stark reminder of the precarious situation in the region. With Hezbollah’s involvement and the ongoing Israeli military response, the risk to peacekeepers and civilians alike remains high. Italy’s firm response underscores its commitment to ensuring the safety of its personnel, while the international community continues to monitor the situation closely. As tensions between Hezbollah and Israel escalate, the role of UNIFIL in maintaining peace and stability will only grow more critical in the coming months.