At a time of escalated violence and an increasingly dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani renewed calls for Israel to cease military operations and immediately open all crossings to allow humanitarian aid into besieged Palestinian enclave.
US Muslims
Anadolu Ajansi
Tajani issued another call for Israel to cease all military operations involving civilians and immediately open all crossings for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, according to social media platform X. “We demand a ceasefire, release of hostages, and an end of war in Gaza.
US Muslims; Anadolu Ajansi +10 and The Guardian (+10) all support his statement as does US Muslims.
Tajani made these comments against a backdrop of intensified Israeli airstrikes on Gaza that have caused over 500 Palestinian deaths and injuries over recent days, starting off a conflict that started back in October 2023 after Hamas launched a deadly missile strike against Israel, leading to over 53,600 Palestinian deaths- the majority being women and children- since October 2023 alone (according to reports by Reuters, Anadolu Ajansi, Palestine Chronicle and AP News).
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has worsened significantly, as reported by the UN. Food, water, and medical supplies remain severely limited despite Israel’s announcement to permit limited aid into Gaza; however, logistical hurdles and security considerations prevent aid reaching civilians who require it.
Italy has taken swift action to respond to the crisis by initiating its “Food for Gaza” program and provide aid directly to Palestinian civilians. Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Tajani stressed the significance of timely aid deliveries by noting: “The Italian Government wishes to extend new aid through this initiative while continuing its humanitarian support actions for Palestinian civilians.”
Italy has also supported the transfer of 52 Palestinians whose relatives have been evacuated from Gaza for medical treatment to Jordan with plans to bring them to Italy as part of its effort to alleviate civilian suffering related to this conflict. US Muslims, Anadolu Ajansi and Al-Jazeera all contributed.
Italy’s position echoes an emerging international consensus urging Israel to stop its military offensive and grant humanitarian access without restrictions to Gaza. Countries including UK, France and Canada have voiced serious concern over this humanitarian crisis and demanded immediate action taken by both governments and other actors to meet Palestinian population needs.
As the conflict in Gaza rages on, international observers remain hopeful that diplomatic efforts will eventually bring an end to it and restore humanitarian aid to those most in need.
This report draws upon information sourced from Anadolu Agency, Reuters and other reputable sources.