ROME – Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Wednesday condemned Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza as “dramatic and unacceptable,” calling for an immediate end to the bombing and a restoration of humanitarian aid to the embattled Palestinian enclave.
Speaking to the lower house of parliament, Tajani said that while Italy recognized Israel’s right to respond to the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, the scale and intensity of Israel’s retaliation had crossed a line. “The legitimate reaction of the Israeli government to a terrible and senseless act of terrorism is unfortunately taking absolutely dramatic and unacceptable forms, which we call on Israel to stop immediately,” he said.
Tajani’s comments reflect a significant tonal shift within Italy’s traditionally pro-Israel right-wing coalition, amid increasing Western outrage over the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza. More than 54,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in Israel’s campaign, according to Gaza’s health authorities.
“The bombing must end, humanitarian assistance must resume as soon as possible, respect for international humanitarian law must be restored,” Tajani emphasized during a tense parliamentary session.
Opposition parties have sharply criticized the government’s stance and announced a demonstration in Rome on June 7 to demand sanctions against Israel and formal Italian recognition of the State of Palestine. In an impassioned speech, Five Star Movement lawmaker Riccardo Ricciardi accused the Italian and European leadership of complicity in “extermination, genocide and inhuman crime.”
Tajani reaffirmed that Italy supports the creation of a Palestinian state through negotiation and remains committed to maintaining dialogue with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. However, he firmly rejected the idea of forcibly removing Palestinians from Gaza — a proposal floated by U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this year and swiftly condemned by Arab nations.
“The expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza is not and will never be an acceptable option,” Tajani said.
He also reiterated Italy’s openness to participating in an eventual Arab-led peacekeeping mission in Gaza, signaling a potential role for Italy in broader efforts to stabilize the region.