Italy announced that four Italian soldiers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were injured when two rockets struck their base near the village of Shama in southern Lebanon. The rockets, believed to be 122mm projectiles, hit a bunker and logistics area, causing a fire that was quickly extinguished. The soldiers sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a hospital for treatment.
This incident marks the third attack on UNIFIL positions in the Shama area within a week. UNIFIL has attributed the strikes to either the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) or “non-state actors,” a term often used to denote Hezbollah or affiliated groups, while Italy’s deputy prime minister told reporters it was likely Hezbollah rockets.
Friday’s attack followed a salvo of rockets launched by Hezbollah at Israeli positions west of Shama earlier that day. Hezbollah has not commented directly on UNIFIL’s accusations.
The 10,000-strong UNIFIL mission, comprising personnel from 48 countries, monitors the demarcation line between Israel and Lebanon, where hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated since October 2023. The area has seen daily cross-border exchanges, fueled by the broader regional conflict involving Hamas and Iran-backed groups.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the attack, calling it “unacceptable” and expressing “profound indignation.” UNIFIL reiterated its calls for all parties to avoid targeting peacekeepers, stating that such incidents violate international law. Despite increasing attacks, UNIFIL has refused to withdraw its forces, citing its commitment to its peacekeeping mandate.
Argentina announced the withdrawal of its small contingent from UNIFIL following the rising violence. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti confirmed Argentina’s decision but referred further inquiries to the Argentine government.
UNIFIL has faced mounting difficulties since Israel’s ground operations against Hezbollah began in southern Lebanon in late September. Over the past two months, more than 20 peacekeepers have been injured, and several UNIFIL facilities have been damaged. Both Israel and Hezbollah accuse the peacekeeping force of failing to prevent hostile actions by the other side.
Israel has criticized UNIFIL for not stopping Hezbollah’s activities near the border, claiming the group deliberately operates close to peacekeeping positions. Conversely, UNIFIL has repeatedly urged the IDF to cease actions that put its personnel at risk.
Earlier this week, four Ghanaian peacekeepers were injured when a rocket struck their base near the village of Ramyeh, east of Shama. UNIFIL attributed the rocket fire to “non-state actors,” likely linked to Hezbollah. The IDF, however, stated the rocket was part of a Hezbollah attack targeting Israeli positions.
