Italian Defence Minister Labels Israeli Attack on UN Peacekeepers a Possible War Crime

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto condemned Israeli forces for allegedly targeting U.N. peacekeepers in Lebanon, calling it a potential war crime. Two UNIFIL peacekeepers were injured during the incidents. Italy, although supportive of Israel, demands accountability, insisting on UNIFIL's mission to continue without interference.

In a stark rebuke, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto accused Israeli forces of unlawfully targeting U.N. peacekeepers stationed in Lebanon. Crosetto described the actions as a potential war crime, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

The U.N. peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, stationed in southern Lebanon to maintain peace along the demarcation line with Israel, witnessed two of its peacekeepers being injured amid Israeli military action. Despite longstanding support for Israel, Italy expressed indignation over the incident.

While Israel has attempted to relocate UNIFIL forces from the border zone, Crosetto made it clear that Italy would not comply. He stressed that neither Italy nor the United Nations would take orders from the Israeli government, seeking accountability through diplomatic channels.

(With inputs from agencies.)