Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated on Wednesday that Israel must adhere to international law during its military operations in Gaza, characterizing the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territory as increasingly “tragic and unjustified.”
Israel launched an offensive in Gaza following an attack by Hamas on residential areas in the south on October 7, 2023, and has recently announced intentions for a broader assault to defeat Hamas.
During a session in the Italian Parliament, Meloni mentioned, “I have spoken with Prime Minister (Benjamin) Netanyahu several times over the past months, and the discussions have mostly been challenging.”
Health authorities in Gaza reported that the Israeli campaign has resulted in over 52,000 Palestinian fatalities. Relief organizations and international agencies have stated that the military actions have pushed Gaza to the brink of famine.
The Italian Prime Minister emphasized, “I have consistently pointed out the urgent need to find a way to halt the fighting and respect international law and humanitarian law. This is a request I reiterate today.”
Local residents reported that Israel intensified its strikes this week, resulting in dozens of deaths in northern Gaza.
French President Emmanuel Macron criticized Netanyahu’s policies in Gaza this week, labeling them as disgraceful. In response, the Israeli Prime Minister accused Macron of bias towards Hamas.
Meloni’s government has been one of Israel’s staunchest supporters in Europe; however, some factions within her ruling coalition have expressed growing concern regarding the ongoing and prolonged Israeli military campaign.