Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed “firm condemnation” of what happened in southern Lebanon, where a clearly identifiable Italian convoy belonging to Unifil was subjected to warning shots by the Israeli army.
«Unacceptable act and violation of the UN resolution»
«The Italian soldiers are present in Lebanon on the basis of a mandate received from the United Nations Security Council and act in the interest of maintaining peace – we read in the note from Palazzo Chigi -. It is therefore completely unacceptable that personnel operating under the UN flag are put at risk with irresponsible actions such as today’s, in clear violation of resolution 1701.”
The Italian government has asked Israel for clarification on the incident. In this context, the prime minister awaits the results of the summons of the Israeli ambassador to Rome, ordered by the vice-president of the Council and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
Appeal for ceasefire and security of the military
The note also refers to the ceasefire agreed between Iran, the United States and Israel, defined as “an opportunity to be seized” to also put an end to the conflict in Lebanon.
«Hezbollah’s decision to drag the nation into this conflict was irresponsible – we read again – but the continuous Israeli attacks in Lebanon, which have already caused numerous victims and an unacceptable number of displaced persons, must stop immediately».
Finally, Italy reiterates “firmly the need to guarantee the safety of Italian soldiers and the entire Unifil contingent”.