Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni vehemently condemned the recent assaults on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon during a press briefing in Beirut on Friday. She emphasized that targeting the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is utterly unacceptable.
“I urge all parties involved to take every necessary measure to ensure the safety of each soldier stationed here,” she stated at a joint press conference alongside Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati. Italian troops play a crucial role within the 10,500-member UN force deployed in southern Lebanon, which is tasked with restoring international peace and security along the Blue Line.
Reports indicate that Israeli airstrikes have resulted in injuries to at least five UNIFIL personnel in recent incidents, prompting widespread international outcry from global leaders regarding violations of international law. Meloni, who claimed the distinction of being the first head of government to visit Lebanon since the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, highlighted her participation in a recent high-level European Union summit in Brussels, where the ongoing Middle Eastern crisis was a prominent topic of discussion.
“I can assure you that we are collectively striving for a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and here in Lebanon,” she asserted. The European Council has expressed profound concern over the alarming military escalation in the region and the potential risks it poses to stability across the entire area, as per the conclusions drawn from the summit. The document further articulates the Council’s grave apprehensions regarding the increasing violence in Lebanon, condemning both the unacceptable civilian casualties and the persistent use of military force.
- “It underscores the necessity of ensuring that civilian lives are safeguarded at all times,” stated the EU Council.
- Meloni took a moment to express her sorrow for those who have lost their lives and those displaced due to the ongoing conflict, extending her “solidarity and closeness” to all individuals affected by the prolonged fighting.
- “As you are aware, Italy, along with other international partners, has been advocating for a 21-day ceasefire for several weeks now,” she added.