Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani issued a stern call for a halt to Israel’s military operations in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need to protect Palestinian civilians from further suffering. In a statement made Saturday, Tajani stated, “We have to tell the Israeli government 'that's enough.' We no longer want to see the Palestinian population suffer. Stop the attacks, let's secure a ceasefire, free the hostages, but leave in peace a people who are victims of Hamas.”

The remarks come amid escalating violence and mounting civilian casualties in the densely populated Palestinian territory. Israeli military officials announced plans to expand their operations in Gaza as the region faces relentless airstrikes. Palestinian health authorities reported that at least 146 Palestinians had been killed within the past 24 hours alone, as the Israeli air campaign continues to devastate the enclave.

The ongoing conflict was ignited after Hamas militants launched a sweeping cross-border assault on Israel on October 7, taking approximately 250 hostages and initiating a severe military response from Israel. The Israeli offensive has pulverized Gaza’s infrastructure, with nearly all of its 2 million residents affected by the violence. Gaza health authorities estimate that more than 53,000 lives have been lost in the course of the campaign, predominantly civilians caught in the crossfire.

Tensions are rising globally as international observers and governments grapple with the escalating toll on civilians. Tajani’s vocal appeal reflects a broader concern across Europe and beyond, where the spiraling conflict has ignited calls for restraint and humanitarian considerations. 

Later on Saturday, Tajani is scheduled to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome, a meeting likely to focus on international efforts to de-escalate the violence and address the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Though Italy has historically been one of Israel’s most vocal supporters within Europe, the devastating impact on Gaza has begun to shift the tone of diplomatic discourse, with increasing unease over the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the Palestinian territory.