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 the 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. Moscow is indifferent. 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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**2. In your view, what are the key factors that must be addressed by international stakeholders to ensure the safety of peacekeepers in volatile regions such as Lebanon?**
**Interview with Dr. Maria Rossi, International Relations Expert**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Dr. Rossi. Given the recent attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon and the ICC’s issuing of arrest warrants against Israeli officials, how do you view the current situation in the Middle East?
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. The recent attacks on the UNIFIL base, especially injuring Italian soldiers, are alarming. It reflects the escalating tensions in the region and puts a spotlight on the security situation for peacekeepers who are crucial for stability. Such attacks are indeed a serious violation of international law and must be condemned firmly by all parties.
**Interviewer:** Italy’s government has expressed profound indignation and called for accountability. What does this mean for international relations in the region?
**Dr. Rossi:** Italy’s strong stance underscores the importance of protecting peacekeeping forces. Their condemnation signals to Hezbollah and other entities that such actions will not be tolerated. If peacekeepers are consistently targeted, it jeopardizes not only their safety but also undermines international efforts to stabilize the region. Italy’s push for accountability may also affect diplomatic relations with both Hezbollah and Israel.
**Interviewer:** The arrest warrants issued by the ICC against Israeli leaders are a contentious topic. President Biden has labeled them “scandalous.” How might this division in Western responses impact the peace process?
**Dr. Rossi:** Indeed, the division among Western powers, particularly between the U.S. and European nations, complicates the peace process. Biden’s defense of Israel suggests a strong alliance, but it also risks alienating those who advocate for accountability regarding actions taken in Gaza. This divergence may hinder collaborative efforts to establish a unified approach in addressing the conflict, risking further escalation and a harder stance from the involved parties.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what measures do you think should be taken moving forward to address these complex issues?
**Dr. Rossi:** Firstly, there must be a cessation of violence against peacekeepers, with strict adherence to international laws by all parties. Diplomatic channels should be strengthened to facilitate dialog. Additionally, the international community, including bodies like the ICC, should work towards a balanced approach that prioritizes human rights while ensuring the security of all nations involved. Ultimately, a comprehensive peace agreement that addresses the root causes of the conflict is imperative for sustainable stability in the region.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for your insights on these critical issues.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me.
