‘Unacceptable’: Italian PM Meloni denounces Israeli attacks on UNIFIL

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni denounced the recent attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, telling reporters in Beirut on Friday that targeting the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is “unacceptable”.

“I ask once again that all parties strive to ensure the safety of each of these soldiers is guaranteed,” she said at a joint press conference with her Lebanese counterpart Najib Mikati.

Italian peacekeepers play a significant part in the 10,500-soldier strong UN force in southern Lebanon, which, among other mandates, aims to “restore international peace and security” along the Blue Line.

Israeli strikes have reportedly injured at least five members of UNIFIL in separate attacks – a move that has drawn international condemnation from global leaders for violating international law.

Meloni, who claimed to be the first head of government to visit Lebanon since the escalation of tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, noted that she had recently attended a high-level European Union summit in Brussels, where the Middle Eastern crisis was a key focus of the discussions.

“I can assure you that we are all working for a sustainable ceasefire there in Gaza and here in Lebanon,” she said.

The European Council is deeply alarmed by the “dramatic” military escalation in the Middle East and the risks it poses to the entire region, according to the conclusions from the summit.

The document also states that the Council expresses its utmost concern about the rising hostilities in Lebanon, condemning the unacceptable number of civilian casualties and the “persistent use of military force.”

“It recalls the need to ensure that civilians are protected at all time,” the EU Council said.

Meloni also took the opportunity to mourn those who have been killed and displaced by the crisis, expressing her “solidarity and closeness” to all affected by the fighting that has lasted over a year.

“As you know, Italy, together with other international partners, have been calling for a 21-day ceasefire for weeks now.”