15 May, Italy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has condemned the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza as “dramatic and unjustifiable,”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has ramped up her condemnation of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, calling the worsening humanitarian crisis more “dramatic and unjustifiable everyday” and pleaded to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Italian parliament on May 14 to abide by international humanitarian law and called for an immediate ceasefire to allow for humanitarian assistance and the release of hostages.
Meloni’s words signal a turning point in Italy’s stance, which has historically been among Israel’s most reliable allies in Europe. While reaffirming Israel’s need to defend itself following attacks conducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023, Meloni also emphasized disproportionate repercussions for Palestinian civilians.
“I have spoken to Prime Minister Netanyahu numerous times over the past few months, and it has not always been easy,” she said. Since then, she noted that the renewal of fighting made it imperative to end and act per international law.
The humanitarian emergency in Gaza has quickly deteriorated, with more than 52,000 Palestinians killed and the territory on the brink of famine. Aid organization indicated catastrophic shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, compounded by Israeli blockades and damaged infrastructure.
Contrary to Israeli claims of “no hunger in Gaza,” these accounts sharply contrast with what is observed: food can be in short supply, and hospitals and other infrastructure have collapsed
Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto reiterated much of Meloni’s statement on illegal, or unjustified, violence against Palestinian civilians, he said, for now, attacks “can no longer be justified”.
He denounced a failure to discriminate between Hamas fighters and innocent civilians, and said going down such avenues just nurtures hatred and despair for a lot of years to come.
As a response to the crisis, Italy has resumed donations to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which had donated €5 million and an additional €30 million previously to its “Food for Gaza” project. There was an independent review released, and according to that, it found no evidence to support the Israeli claims incriminating UNRWA staff in the attacks of October 7.
In addition, Meloni was concerned that the resumed Israeli bombardments would counteract efforts to free the Hamas hostages and obtain a sustainable ceasefire.
She added that the return to hostilities deprives the international community of its goal, including the resumption of humanitarian aid and sustainable peace.
Italy’s shifting position matches the growing international outcry over Israel’s military… The French President Emmanuel Macron called the operations shameful and received a strong rebuke from Netanyahu, who accused Macron of siding with Hamas.
As deaths accumulate and humanitarian conditions grow worse, Italian leaders continue to emphasize the need for a ceasefire, the resumption of humanitarian aid access, and reaffirm the need for a two-state solution.
Meloni’s statements illustrate there are growing calls from the international community for Israel to adjust their military operations and remember the need to protect civilians.
Keep reading questeuro
About The Author
More Stories
Former UK Ambassador Urges Government to Advise Against Travel to Egypt Amid Human Rights Concerns
Meloni: US, EU Leaders Would Support Vatican Talks to End Russia-Ukraine War
German President meets Israeli President on the Gaza issue