LONDON

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said on Monday that he is following with “deep concern” the situation in southern Lebanon, where Israeli attacks on UNIFIL forces have resulted in the deaths of peacekeepers and injuries to others.

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said Monday that two more peacekeepers were killed and two others injured, including one critically, in a blast that targeted their vehicle in southern Lebanon.

“Attacking United Nations contingents is neither tolerable nor acceptable,” Crosetto said, emphasizing the strategic role of UNIFIL in maintaining stability in the region.

Crosetto added that he had a phone conversation with his French counterpart during which they reaffirmed the importance of UNIFIL’s presence.

“UN forces are there to maintain peace, prevent escalation, and provide a space for dialogue and civilian protection,” he said.

He warned that targeting UN peacekeepers is not just an attack on individual contingents but on the international community and the principles that ensure coexistence among states.

He called on all parties to respect the mandates of the UN, underlining that the protection of civilians and international personnel must remain a priority.

In a statement on Monday, UNIFIL said the two soldiers were killed in an “explosion of unknown origin” that destroyed their vehicle near the town of Bani Hayyan in the Marjeyoun district.

The incident marks the second of its kind within 24 hours, the mission said, adding that an investigation into the circumstances has been launched.

On Sunday, UNIFIL said one peacekeeper was killed and another injured after a projectile hit a UNIFIL position near the town of Adshit al-Qusayr in southern Lebanon.