FOUR ITALIAN PEACEKEEPERS have been injured in what the United Nations has described as a suspected Hezbollah rocket incident at their base in South Lebanon.

UNIFIL has said that the location of the incident is the Sector West Headquarters in Shama. Around six Irish troops are also working in the camp, but all are uninjured.

It is the latest incident in which Hezbollah rockets have struck UNIFIL camps.  

“Earlier today, two 122-mm rockets struck the Sector West Headquarters in Shama, injuring four Italian peacekeepers who are now receiving treatment at the base hospital. Fortunately, none of the injuries are life-threatening.

“The rockets, likely launched by Hezbollah or affiliated groups, impacted a bunker and a logistics area used by the international military police, causing significant damage to nearby infrastructure. One of the affected structures caught fire, but the blaze was swiftly extinguished by base personnel.

“This is the third attack on this UNIFIL base in Shama in a week,” a spokesperson said. 

It has not been determined if it was an intentional strike on the 

UNIFIL has also said that there has been heavy shelling and ground skirmishes in the Shama and Naqoura areas in recent days.

On Tuesday four Ghanaian soldiers were injured in a similar Hezbollah suspected rocket incident.  

“UNIFIL strongly urges combating parties to avoid fighting next to its positions. Inviolability of UN premises and personnel must be respected at all times.

“Any attack against peacekeepers constitutes a serious violation of international law and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.

“The deliberate or accidental targeting of peacekeepers serving in south Lebanon must cease immediately to ensure their safety and uphold international law,” the spokesperson added.