Italy Protests Attack on UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon, Israel to Investigate

Rome – Italy has protested after an artillery shell hit the base of its peacekeepers in Lebanon, part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The shell did not explode, but it caused concern over the safety of the Italian soldiers.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani spoke with his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Saar, to express Italy’s anger over the attack and other incidents involving UNIFIL personnel. Tajani stressed that the safety of peacekeepers must be ensured, calling the attacks “unacceptable.”

Israel promised to investigate the shell incident. UNIFIL, which has around 10,000 peacekeepers monitoring the border between Lebanon and Israel, has accused the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) of targeting its bases and peacekeepers during Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon.

The mission has been in place since 2006 to maintain peace along the “blue line” separating the two countries.