Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited Beirut and called for the strengthening of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL. She condemned recent attacks by Israeli troops on UNIFIL forces, urging all parties to guarantee the safety of the peacekeepers. Meloni is the first head of state to visit Lebanon since the escalation between Israel and Hezbollah last month.
UNIFIL has come under repeated fire by Israeli forces, with five peacekeepers being injured in recent incidents. Despite demands from the Israeli military to move, UNIFIL is maintaining its positions to monitor the conflict and ensure aid reaches civilians.
Meanwhile, fighting between Hezbollah and Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon continues, with Hezbollah entering a new phase in its battle against Israeli troops. Hezbollah announced the use of new weapons, including precision-guided missiles and explosive drones. The Israeli army has called up additional reserve brigades for operations in northern Israel.
Hezbollah also launched an attack with drones on Israeli soldiers in Safed, along with continued support for Palestinians following the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza. Israeli attacks in Lebanon have led to over 2,000 deaths and the displacement of over 1 million people.
Meloni and Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution and peacekeeping operations in the region. The situation remains tense, with UNIFIL facing deliberate attacks and ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israeli forces.
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