G7 Defense, concern over threats to Unifil

(ANSA) – ROME, OCTOBER 19 – “We are concerned by the latest events in Lebanon and the risk of further escalation. We express concern about all threats to Unifil’s security. The safety of peacekeepers is a duty of all parties in the conflict We also reiterate the importance of the support of Unifil and the Lebanese Armed Forces in their role to ensure the stability and security of Lebanon.” This is what we read in the final joint declaration of the Defense G7 meeting in Naples. Remaining in the Middle East, the G7 Defense condemns “the brutal terrorist attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, which triggered a spiral of violence that threatens the entire Middle East region. We are united in supporting the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, a significant and sustained increase in the flow of humanitarian assistance across Gaza, and a sustainable path to a two-state solution.” The same document confirms the “unwavering support” for Ukraine which “for almost three years has been defending itself from Russia’s brutal and illegal war of large-scale aggression. We condemn Russia, which has adopted a position of confrontation and destabilization on a global, also resorting to hybrid warfare and the irresponsible use of nuclear rhetoric”. In the press conference, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto commented on the situation in the Middle East, in particular the drone launched towards Netanyahu’s house in Caesarea, north of Tel Aviv. “I don’t think it’s an event that improves the situation,” Crosetto said. “We think – he added – that the military part of Hamas has been substantially defeated and that the attack on Gaza can end. Today’s news makes everyone less optimistic today”. On Unifil: “We reiterated the need for Unifil to continue with its presence and for its contingents to be respected, both by Israel and by Hezbollah. We did not talk about changing the rules of engagement because the place to talk about it is the UN”, he Crosetto specified. (HANDLE).