Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib addresses the Mediterranean Dialogues conference in Rome, Italy, on November 25, 2024. — Reuters

Lebanon has strongly denounced recent attacks on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) stationed in its southern regions, which included a rocket strike last week that resulted in minor injuries to four Italian soldiers. The 10,000-strong multinational UNIFIL force is tasked with monitoring hostilities along the border with Israel, an area frequently affected by intense confrontations between the Iran-backed Lebanese Hezbollah militia and Israeli forces.

Since Israel initiated a ground offensive against Hezbollah at the end of September, UNIFIL personnel have been subjected to multiple attacks from both sides. "Lebanon unequivocally condemns any assault on UNIFIL and urges all parties to ensure the safety, security, and sanctity of the troops and their facilities," stated Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib during a conference in Rome.

Bou Habib made these remarks prior to participating in a G7 foreign ministers' meeting in Anagni, southeast of Rome, alongside other Middle Eastern counterparts, where regional conflicts were slated for discussion. Bou Habib further emphasized, "Lebanon condemns the recent attacks on the Italian contingent and laments these unwarranted hostilities." Italy has indicated that Hezbollah is likely behind the Friday attack on its UNIFIL troops.

Beirut's foreign minister also called for the enforcement of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which brought an end to the previous conflict between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006 through a ceasefire that has since faced numerous challenges and violations. "Lebanon is prepared to meet its obligations as outlined in the aforementioned resolution," Bou Habib asserted. "This explicitly means, and I quote: 'There will be no weapons without the approval of the government of Lebanon and no authority other than that of the government of Lebanon.'"

Hezbollah, which is militarily superior to Lebanon's regular army, maintains that it is defending the nation against Israeli aggression. The group pledges to continue fighting and will not disarm or permit Israel to secure political advantages as a result of the ongoing conflict.

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