In Lebanon, Meloni calls to strengthen peacekeeping force, says attacks on UNIFIL ‘unacceptable’

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni calls on Friday for the strengthening of the UN peacekeeping mission to Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, during a visit in Beirut.

“Only by strengthening UNIFIL while maintaining its impartiality, we will be able to turn the page,” Meloni says during a joint news conference with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

“I repeat that I consider targeting UNIFIL is unacceptable,” Meloni added, in reference to recent Israeli attacks involving the mission’s troops.

Israel has said that the peacekeepers were not deliberately targeted and that Hezbollah has been using UN positions as cover to target Israeli forces. Israel has called on the UN troops to leave the area.

Mikati and Meloni also agree that a diplomatic solution must take precedence over violence, Mikati says.

“What is happening today is a lesson for all Lebanese to stay out of regional conflicts,” Mikati says.