Italy’s premier ‘increasingly’ worried about Israel’s offensive in Rafah

ROME (AA) – Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has said that she is “increasingly worried” about the latest developments in Gaza, as Israel faces growing international calls to show restraint in its war.

“We are increasingly worried … in particular for the safety of hostages, the protection of civilians in the area of Rafah and for the risk of a further enlargement of the conflict,” said Meloni.

The premier’s remarks came after an official meeting with her Romanian counterpart Marcel Ciolacu in Rome.

Israel has vowed to press its military offensive into the southern Gazan city of Rafah, which has become the last relatively safe place for civilians in the blockaded enclave.

Earlier on Thursday, the Israeli army said it raided the Nasser hospital in the city of Khan Younis, describing the attack as “precise and limited.” It justified the assault by saying it had information about the presence of Hamas fighters and Israeli prisoners at the facility.

This week, Italy’s parliament had urged the government to support any initiative for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, where Israeli attacks have killed more than 28,000 people, mostly women and children.

“The government assumes the clear indication given by parliament. We will work along these lines at international level and, particularly, in the framework of the Italian presidency of the G-7,” Meloni said.

Meloni said they reiterated their full support to Ukraine against Russia, adding that Italy will continue to work for the safety of the southeastern European countries and NATO should continue to show “cohesion and unity.”​​​​​​​