Lebanon - UNIFIL: Italian convoy hit in Shama, no injuries. Crosetto: "Firm and indignant protest"

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"I express my firmest and most indignant protest regarding what occurred this morning in the UNIFIL sector of responsibility in Southern Lebanon. A logistical convoy of the Italian contingent, traveling from Shama toward Beirut, was subjected to warning shots fired by the IDF approximately two kilometers from its departure base. Following the incident, the column immediately halted its movement and returned to the base.

Only minor damage to the vehicles occurred, and no injuries were reported—but for how much longer? It is unacceptable that Italian soldiers deployed under the United Nations flag, with tasks exclusively dedicated to guaranteeing peace and stability, are exposed to risky situations by the Israeli army.

UNIFIL personnel operate in Lebanon in implementation of United Nations resolutions to contribute to security and de-escalation. Endangering convoys clearly identified by the UN flag cannot be tolerated. This is grave behavior that risks compromising the safety of peacekeepers and the very credibility of the mission.

I call upon the United Nations to intervene with the Israeli authorities with the utmost urgency to clarify what happened, adopt all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the Italian contingent and all UNIFIL personnel, and firmly reiterate the respect for the mandate and the protection owed to the Blue Helmets.

Italy will continue to support the peace mission, but demands full respect for UNIFIL's role and the protection of its military personnel. Episodes like this are intolerable and must not be repeated." Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto.