ITALY: Meloni says UN peacekeeper attacks ‘unacceptable’

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whose country holds the rotating G7 presidency, told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday that Israeli fire against UN peacekeepers in Lebanon was “unacceptable”.

At least five peacekeepers have been wounded in recent days as Israel targets Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.

The United Nations peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, which includes over 1,000 Italian troops, has accused the Israeli military of “deliberately” firing on its positions.

Meloni “reiterated the unacceptability of UNIFIL being attacked by Israeli armed forces” during a call with Netanyahu, her office said.

She “stressed the absolute necessity that UNIFIL personnel security be guaranteed at all times.”