During her recent visit to Beirut, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized the need to bolster the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL. Her remarks come in the wake of increased tensions, with UNIFIL forces being targeted by Israeli troops in recent weeks.
At a joint press conference with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Meloni condemned the attacks on UNIFIL, stating, “Only by strengthening UNIFIL while maintaining its impartiality will we be able to turn the page.” She expressed that it is “unacceptable” to target UNIFIL and called for all parties to ensure the safety of peacekeepers.
Meloni is notable for being the first head of state to visit Lebanon since the recent escalation between Israel and Hezbollah. Following her trip, she plans to engage in discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Italy currently has approximately 1,000 peacekeepers serving in UNIFIL, which has faced repeated fire from Israeli forces. Last week, five peacekeepers were injured, and UNIFIL accused Israeli troops of breaching a gate to enter one of its positions.
During the news conference, Mikati stressed the importance of prioritizing diplomatic solutions over violence, stating, “What is happening today is a lesson for all Lebanese to stay out of regional conflicts.”
UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti reported that peacekeepers are maintaining their positions despite pressures to relocate. He noted that the force has been deliberately targeted multiple times, compromising the safety of its personnel. Tenenti explained that a unanimous decision was made by UNIFIL's contributing countries and the UN Security Council to continue monitoring the situation and providing humanitarian aid.
The security situation has deteriorated due to ongoing clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, prompting UNIFIL to suspend most patrols along the Lebanon-Israel border, known as the Blue Line. Tenenti indicated that the peacekeepers have been forced to seek shelter for extended periods to ensure their safety.
As tensions mount, Hezbollah announced it is entering a new phase in its confrontation with Israeli troops, utilizing advanced weaponry including precision-guided missiles and explosive drones. In response, the Israeli army has mobilized additional reserve forces for operations in northern Israel.
Hezbollah's actions are framed as part of its ongoing solidarity with the Palestinian people, particularly in light of recent events in Gaza. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reported over 2,000 casualties in the country due to Israeli attacks, with more than 1 million people displaced from their homes in eastern and southern Lebanon.
No comments:
Post a Comment