Summary
- Italian PM Meloni is deeply concerned over the Gaza
occupation.
- Called Israeli plans unjustifiable and unacceptable.
- Warned of military escalation risks in Gaza.
- Condemned the worsening humanitarian crisis in
Palestinian enclave.
- Defense Minister Crosetto urged actions to make
Netanyahu reconsider.
In a phone conversation with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Giorgia Meloni reaffirmed her opposition to any Israeli plans to occupy the Gaza Strip, according to a government statement cited by the ANSA news agency.
Throughout the discussion, Meloni reaffirmed
that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is "unjustifiable and
unacceptable" and voiced his profound concern over recent Israeli plans to
capture Gaza City.
Abbas, for his part, commends Italy for helping the Palestinians in Gaza with humanitarian aid.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan
to completely occupy Gaza City was approved by the Security Cabinet on Friday,
sparking strong worldwide criticism from nations and human rights
organizations.
After killing nearly 61,400 people in Gaza since
October 2023, Israel has become the target of growing criticism. The enclave
has been ravaged by the military campaign and is on the brink of starvation.
For war crimes and crimes against humanity in
Gaza, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and
his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November.
Because of its war on the enclave, Israel is
also facing a genocide prosecution at the International Court of Justice.
How does Italy's opposition influence international efforts to halt Gaza occupation?
Italy's opposition, particularly the leftist
main opposition parties like the Democratic Party, strongly influences
international efforts to halt the Gaza occupation by vocally condemning Israeli
military actions, calling for immediate ceasefires, sanctions, and the
unblocking of humanitarian aid.
They criticize their own government led by Prime
Minister Giorgia Meloni for what they call “complicit silence” and inadequate
response, organizing large public protests (with hundreds of thousands
participating) demanding a firm stance on Gaza and an end to the
conflict.
Key figures like Elly Schlein, leader of the
Democratic Party, have described the situation as ethnic cleansing and pushed
for Italy to break silence, impose arms embargoes on Israel, and support
Palestinians publicly.