UNIFIL headquarters in southern Lebanon hit. Two Blue Helmets injured

Israeli troops fired at the UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura in southern Lebanon, two UN peacekeepers were slightly injured. Al Jazeera reported this, citing a United Nations source, according to whom a guard tower was targeted.

The Reuters news agency, citing a UN source, reported that “Israeli troops opened fire on three UNIFIL positions in southern Lebanon. The main base of the UN peacekeepers in Naqoura”.

Crosetto summons Israeli ambassador to Italy

“Already in the early hours of this morning – explains Crosetto – I contacted the Israeli Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, to protest with him and firmly remind him that what is happening near the Italian Unifil bases in Southern Lebanon and, in general, towards the Unifil contingent starting from the shots fired at the Unifil headquarters it is, for me and for the Italian government, unacceptable. Even though I received guarantees on the utmost attention to the safety of military personnel, I reiterated that any possible error that could put Italian and Unifil soldiers at risk must be avoided. Within my prerogatives, this afternoon, I also summoned the Israeli ambassador to Italy to whom I firmly protested asking him to formally represent to the Minister of Defense and the Chief of the Israeli Armed Forces that what is happening in Southern Lebanon, towards the contingent, the headquarters and, in particular, towards the Italian bases of UNIFIL is absolutely unacceptable, as well as in clearly contrary to International Law and in open violation of Resolution 1701”.

“Regarding the incidents at the UNIFIL 1-31 and 1-32A bases”, adds the minister, “no Italian military was involved. Yesterday, in the evening, regular IDF soldiers had neutralized some components of the video surveillance system at the 1-31 base, the lighting system and a radio repeater at the 1-32A base with small-arms fire. This morning, then, some shots from portable weapons hit the inside of the 1-31 base, which was followed by a drone flying over. The situation is currently under control, the staff is safe. However, these accidents are intolerable, they must be carefully and decisively avoided. For these reasons I protested to my Israeli counterpart and to the Israeli ambassador to Italy.”

“This morning I sent a formal communication to the United Nations to reiterate the unacceptability of what is happening in Southern Lebanon and to ensure Italy’s full and constructive collaboration in all military initiatives aimed at promoting a de-escalation of the situation and the restoration of international law. The safety of the Italian soldiers deployed in Lebanon remains an absolute priority for me and for the entire Italian Government, so that the Italian Paecekeepers continue their work of mediation and support for the Peace and stability of Lebanon and the entire region”, concludes Crosetto.