Italy urges Israel to halt Gaza attacks, open crossings for humanitarian aid
Italy has renewed its call for Israel to stop attacks on Gaza and allow humanitarian aid into the besieged Palestinian enclave.
“I once again called on Israel to halt military operations involving civilians and to immediately open all crossings to allow humanitarian aid to enter,” Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani posted on X. “We want a ceasefire and the release of the hostages: the war in Gaza must end.”
Tajani also announced that 52 Palestinians, relatives of those who were evacuated from Gaza to Italy for medical treatment, were transferred to Jordan, adding they would eventually be brought to Italy.
Pope urges Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza
The newly selected head of the Catholic Church called the situation in the Palestinian enclave “yet more worrying and saddening”.
“I renew my appeal… to allow for the entry of fair humanitarian help and to bring to an end the hostilities, the high price of which is paid by children, the elderly and the sick,” the pope said during his weekly general audience in St Peter’s Square.
French Foreign Ministry says considering expanding sanctions on Israel
A French Foreign Ministry spokesperson has condemned Israel’s expanding military operation in Gaza as “horrific” and repeated warnings of potential sanctions as a result.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, the official said France is looking into a range of options to pressure Israel to halt its operations in Gaza and allow sufficient aid into the enclave. It also stressed the need for a two-state solution that takes both Israeli and Palestinian interests into account.
The remarks follow a joint statement by the leaders of France, the UK and Canada on Monday threatening sanctions against Israel.
Spain’s Catalonia region closes trade office in Tel Aviv
The government of the Spanish region of Catalonia has announced it will be shutting down its trade and investment office in Tel Aviv in response to Israel’s renewed offensive on Gaza.
The office, opened 10 years ago, will cease operations immediately and is expected to be nonoperational by the end of the day, the government said in a statement.
The move is largely symbolic since the office suspended all promotional and business missions in the region after attacks on Gaza began. It had continued to function in a limited capacity without any political representation.
‘Barbaric’: Ireland’s Harris slams Israel’s actions in Gaza
Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris delivered a powerful statement in parliament earlier today, sharply criticising Israel’s actions in Gaza.
- Harris called Israel’s actions in Gaza “barbaric” and a violation of human dignity.
- He said Israel is targeting medics, journalists and children, calling the situation “difficult to witness day and night”.
- He described Israel’s blockade of aid as a “blatant violation of international law”.
- He warned that up to 15,000 children could die in Gaza if conditions persist.
- He condemned Israeli practices in the occupied West Bank as well.
- He reiterated Ireland’s support for a two-state solution.
- He announced plans to pursue legislation to ban products from Israeli settlements.
