Tensions are rising in the Middle East and the approximately 1,200 Sassari soldiers leading the Unifil peacekeeping mission are taking refuge in bunkers after the entry of Israeli troops into Lebanese territory.

Defense Minister Guido Crosetto announced: " The Italian military personnel in Lebanon have reached protected positions and are currently in bunkers as a precaution. Unifil is not a direct target of the attacks, but it must not be overlooked that the increase in the level and intensity of the clashes makes the situation delicate . I have kept and will keep the Presidency of the Republic, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and my colleague Tajani informed of further developments."

Crosetto also underlines that «for months, as a government, we have represented in every forum that it would be necessary to give effective and immediate implementation to the UN resolution 1701, which provides for a strip of territory south of the Litani river and north of the 'blue line' in which only the weapons of the Lebanese armed forces and UNIFIL are present, also by modifying the rules of engagement that had not yielded the desired results».

The situation is shaking up politics, the leaders of the PD and M5S groups in the Senate, Francesco Boccia and Stefano Patuanelli, are inviting Minister Crosetto to "urgently report" in the chamber on the crisis in the Middle East. The majority, for its part, recalls that a briefing by Ministers Tajani and Crosetto has already been scheduled before the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committees of the Senate and the Chamber.

Meanwhile, on the front, security sources quoted by Beirut TV report that so far the Israelis have not crossed the “blue line”, which however continues to be pounded with artillery and air strikes . The IDF reports intense fighting in southern Lebanon and civilians are advised not to drive vehicles in the areas below the Litani River.

Hezbollah, for its part, said it had twice targeted Israeli army soldiers in northern Israel. Thousands of people are fleeing to Syria.

(Unioneonline/L)

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