A note published on the digital site of the newspaper Il Fatto Quotidiano states that Tajani expressed, through a message spread through social networks that “we oppose any plan to occupy Gaza and extend military operations at the risk of further involving thousands of innocent Palestinian citizens”.

Such action, the minister said, would also “endanger the lives of Israeli hostages and worsen the disastrous humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip”.

On the other hand, a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Italian Foreign Minister signed this Saturday a Joint Declaration with his counterparts from Australia, Germany, New Zealand and the United Kingdom against that decision of Tel Aviv, taken on August 8, to launch a large-scale military operation in Gaza.

“We urge the parties and the international community to make every effort to put an end to this terrible conflict, through an immediate and permanent ceasefire that will allow for the immediate, unhindered and massive delivery of humanitarian aid, while the worst famine situation is developing in Gaza”.

The document also demands that the Israeli government ensure that humanitarian players can continue their work to bring necessary aid to civilians in need in that area.

Finally, the signatories stressed that “we stand united in our commitment to the implementation of a negotiated two-state solution as the only way to ensure that Israelis and Palestinians can live together in peace, security and dignity” and reaffirm that the Palestinian National Authority “should play a central role”.

Italy resumed last Thursday its deliveries of humanitarian aid by land as part of the Food for Gaza program, while this Saturday began the launch by the Air Force of this country, of supplies to assist the Palestinian population.

abo/arc/ort