Italian PM Criticizes Pro-Palestinian Activists Amid Rising Tensions
Italian PM Giorgia Meloni criticized an aid flotilla intercepted off Gaza and the Italian general strike supporting it. She believes it won't aid Palestinians and brings inconvenience to Italians. Meanwhile, Italy's Foreign Minister backs Israel's self-defence right but condemns its actions as excessive.
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- Italy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has come under scrutiny after criticizing a pro-Palestinian aid flotilla intercepted by the Israeli military off the Gaza coast. The flotilla, which included around 40 Italians, aimed to breach Israel's maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip, prompting a response from Italian unions who called for a nationwide strike.
Meloni, speaking at a European Union summit in Copenhagen, expressed skepticism about the motivations behind the strike, suggesting it offered an opportune excuse for unionists to enjoy an extended weekend break. She claimed that such actions would not benefit the Palestinian cause, but rather, inconvenience the Italian public.
In parallel, Italy's Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, addressed parliament, affirming Rome's support for Israel's right to self-defense, post the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. However, Tajani criticized Israel for actions in Gaza exceeding self-defense and violating humanitarian laws, emphasizing that Gaza's Palestinian population is distinct from Hamas leadership.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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