UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called for the reinforcement of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, during a recent visit to Beirut. Her remarks come in the wake of increased attacks on UNIFIL forces by Israeli troops.Italy’s Meloni Calls Attacks on UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon ‘Unacceptable’
Speaking at a joint press conference with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Friday, Meloni emphasized the need to bolster the mission’s capabilities. “Only by strengthening UNIFIL while maintaining its impartiality will we be able to turn the page,” she said, condemning the targeting of peacekeepers by Israeli forces. “I repeat that I consider targeting UNIFIL unacceptable. I urge all parties to ensure the safety of these soldiers at all times.”
Meloni’s visit to Lebanon comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. She is the first head of state to visit the country since clashes escalated last month. Following her stop in Beirut, Meloni is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address the situation further.
Italy currently contributes about 1,000 soldiers to the UNIFIL mission, which has been repeatedly targeted by Israeli forces in recent weeks. Last week, five peacekeepers were injured after Israeli troops breached a UNIFIL position, further heightening concerns about the safety of personnel.
Lebanese Prime Minister Mikati echoed Meloni’s call for diplomacy, stating that a peaceful resolution must be prioritized. “What is happening today is a lesson for all Lebanese to stay out of regional conflicts,” Mikati said.
UNIFIL Faces ‘Deliberate’ Attacks
UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti revealed that the peacekeeping force has faced multiple deliberate attacks by Israeli forces. Speaking from Beirut, Tenenti confirmed that peacekeepers have been targeted five times, putting their lives at risk. Despite these incidents, Tenenti stressed that UNIFIL would continue its mission, as per a unanimous decision by its 50 contributing countries and the UN Security Council.
“The Israeli military has repeatedly targeted our positions, endangering the safety of our troops. At the same time, Hezbollah’s rockets, launched from positions near our troops, also pose a threat,” Tenenti said. Due to the deteriorating security, UNIFIL has had to suspend most of its patrols along the Blue Line, the Lebanon-Israel border, where it normally operates.
Hezbollah Enters ‘New Phase’ in Conflict
Meanwhile, Hezbollah announced that it is entering a “new phase” in its ongoing battle with Israeli forces. According to the group, its fighters are now using new types of weapons, including precision-guided missiles and explosive drones. This development comes as Israeli soldiers continue their operations in southern Lebanon, prompting Israel to call up additional reserve forces to bolster security in the region.
As the conflict escalates, UNIFIL peacekeepers remain caught in the crossfire, facing mounting risks on both sides of the border.
Refrence by Aljazeera
Author:NTNDevelopers Home
