The bases of the Unifil mission in southern Lebanon are back under attack. The Italian headquarters in Shama was hit again. This time there are injuries, four, fortunately not life-threatening. In the early hours of the day, the mission announced, two 122 mm rockets hit a bunker and a logistics area used by the international military police, causing significant damage to nearby infrastructure. One of the structures caught fire, but the flames were quickly put out. Due to the explosion, some glass shattered, hitting the four soldiers belonging to the Sassari Brigade, who immediately received treatment at the base hospital. Recalling that “any attack against peacekeepers constitutes a serious violation of international law and of UN Security Council Resolution 1701”, Unifil, which evoked the responsibility of Hezbollah or affiliated groups, urged the parties struggling to avoid fighting near its positions: “Deliberate or accidental attacks against peacekeepers must cease immediately.”
The attack sparked outrage from the Italian government. Our contingent “remains in southern Lebanon to offer a window of opportunity for peace and cannot become hostage to militia attacks”, commented Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, informing that he had immediately contacted the headquarters to ensure the conditions of the military, “it is intolerable that once again a Unifil base has been hit”. Crosetto then announced that he wanted to “speak with the new Israeli Defense Minister, which has been impossible since his inauguration until today, to ask him to avoid using the Unifil bases as a shield”. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni learned the news of the new attacks “with profound indignation and concern” and reiterated “once again” that “they are unacceptable”. Meloni then renewed the appeal “so that the parties on the ground guarantee, at all times, the safety of the Unifil soldiers and collaborate to quickly identify those responsible”. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani remarked that, “just as we told Israel to pay maximum attention, we say it equally firmly to Hezbollah. The Italian military cannot be touched”, “Hezbollah learns to use weapons, which evidently he doesn’t know how to use and causes damage.” “Intolerable criminal acts” is the summary of the Democratic Party secretary Elly Schlein, who asked “at the same time that the government report as soon as possible on the initiatives that are being adopted for the ceasefire”. A firm condemnation of the attacks, which represent “a serious and unacceptable violation of international law”, also came from EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Josep Borrell.
And the announcement by the International Criminal Court in The Hague of the issuing of arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accused of war crimes and against humanity in the Gaza Strip. The West appears divided on the decision and its possible application. US President Joe Biden defined it as “scandalous”, “whatever the ICC may insinuate, there is no equivalence, none, between Israel and Hamas. We will always be at Israel’s side against threats to its security”. While President-elect Donald Trump, according to Israeli media, is considering personal sanctions against the chief prosecutor of the ICC Karim Khan and the judges who issued the warrants. Viktor Orban is also ready to challenge the Hague Court. The Hungarian prime minister confirmed that the mandate “will not be respected” and invited Netanyahu to the country. The German government “takes note” of the sentence, adding that it will evaluate “further steps” only “when a visit to Germany by Netanyahu and Gallant is foreseeable”. Paris also takes note of the ICC’s decision, reiterating loyalty “to its long-standing commitment to supporting international justice”, but without specifying whether it will carry out arrests if the two accused were to enter French territory. Madrid and London, however, have assured that they are ready to execute the arrest warrants. Indifferent Moscow. The Kremlin has made it known that it considers the Hague decisions to be “insignificant” and of no legal value, considering that an arrest warrant has also been issued against Putin. Beijing instead hopes that the Court “maintains an objective and impartial position and exercises its powers in accordance with the law and in accordance with the unified standards, and that it fully and in good faith interprets and applies the Rome Statute and the laws general”.
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How do increasing attacks on UN peacekeeping forces in Lebanon affect international security and the effectiveness of missions like UNIFIL?
**Interview with Dr. Elena Martinez, International Relations Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Martinez. There have been recent attacks on UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) bases in southern Lebanon, resulting in injuries among Italian soldiers. How do these incidents impact international peacekeeping efforts in the region?
**Dr. Martinez:** Thank you for having me. The attacks on UNIFIL bases not only threaten the safety of the peacekeepers but also undermine the very foundation of international efforts to maintain stability and promote peace in the region. These incidents demonstrate a blatant disregard for international law—specifically, the protections afforded to peacekeeping missions under UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Such actions escalate tensions, making it increasingly difficult for peacekeepers to operate effectively.
**Interviewer:** The Italian defense minister condemned the attacks as unacceptable and called for collaboration to ensure the safety of UNIFIL soldiers. How important is this cooperation among various actors involved in the conflict, including Hezbollah and Israeli forces?
**Dr. Martinez:** Cooperation is essential. For any peacekeeping mission to be successful, all parties must adhere to their obligations under international law and respect the presence of UN peacekeepers. The Italian government’s strong response underlines the necessity for both Israel and Hezbollah to prioritize dialogue and cease hostilities near UN positions. If this cooperation falters, it jeopardizes not only the safety of the soldiers but also the broader objective of achieving lasting peace in the region.
**Interviewer:** Additionally, the International Criminal Court has announced arrest warrants for Israeli officials, accusing them of war crimes. The reactions to this have been mixed, with President Biden expressing strong opposition. What does this division signify for international responses to conflicts?
**Dr. Martinez:** The division among Western nations regarding the ICC’s decision illustrates a significant challenge in the international community’s approach to accountability in conflict situations. The contrasting perspectives highlight the complexities of geopolitical alliances and national interests. While the ICC’s role is to pursue justice, countries like the U.S. may prioritize their alliances with Israel over international legal standards. This disparity can create a troubling precedent where political considerations overshadow the need for accountability and adherence to international norms.
**Interviewer:** Given the current climate, what steps can be taken to ease tensions and reinforce the protection of peacekeepers in regions like Lebanon?
**Dr. Martinez:** Immediate steps should include diplomatic engagement among all parties involved. This means open channels of communication to clarify the roles of peacekeepers and establish safe zones. Furthermore, international organizations and member states need to collectively reaffirm their commitment to protecting peacekeeping missions. Enhanced monitoring and rapid response mechanisms for protecting peacekeepers could also be beneficial. In tandem, efforts toward a ceasefire and conflict resolution must remain a priority. Ultimately, a united approach among the international community is critical to de-escalate tensions and secure the safety of peacekeepers on the ground.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Martinez, for your insights on this pressing issue.
**Dr. Martinez:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we continue to engage in these important discussions as the situation unfolds.
