Four Italian peacekeepers serving under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) sustained injuries following a rocket strike on their base in Shama, southwest Lebanon, on Friday. The peacekeepers were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, according to a UNIFIL statement.
The attack involved two 122mm rockets, which UNIFIL suggested were likely launched by Hezbollah or its affiliated groups. Hezbollah has not directly addressed UNIFIL’s claims but confirmed earlier rocket fire targeting Israeli forces near Shama on the same day.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed outrage at the attack, describing it as “unacceptable.” She called on all parties in the region to ensure the safety of UN peacekeepers and to assist in identifying those responsible. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also pointed to Hezbollah as the probable source of the rockets, citing preliminary information.
This latest assault marks the third such attack on UNIFIL’s Shama base within a week. On Tuesday, another strike caused structural damage, which UNIFIL attributed to “non-state actors.” In Friday’s incident, a bunker and logistics area were struck, igniting a fire that was promptly extinguished.
UNIFIL has faced escalating hostilities since Israel’s ground incursion into southern Lebanon began on September 30, targeting Hezbollah positions. Both Hezbollah and Israeli forces have exchanged near-daily cross-border fire since October 2023, following the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel.
Israel has criticized UNIFIL for its perceived inability to prevent Hezbollah’s operations near the Israeli border. Israeli officials have suggested that UNIFIL’s proximity to Hezbollah sites compromises the safety of peacekeepers and have urged the mission to withdraw. However, UNIFIL has firmly declined, reiterating its commitment to its mandate and calling attacks on its personnel violations of international law.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto condemned the attacks, labeling them “intolerable.” He noted that glass shrapnel caused the injuries to the peacekeepers when windows shattered during the strike. Crosetto emphasized the Italian contingent’s role in fostering peace and criticized Hezbollah’s actions for endangering both UN personnel and civilians.
UNIFIL continues to monitor the volatile region along the Blue Line, with over 10,000 personnel deployed to prevent escalation between Israel and Lebanon. Despite the mounting threats, the agency has urged all sides to cease hostilities near its positions.
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