ROME, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the renewed fighting in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire and urging all parties to prioritize peace and humanitarian aid.
Speaking before the Italian Parliament in a session ahead of this week's European Council meeting in Brussels, Meloni addressed key geopolitical challenges, including the Gaza conflict, the situation in Ukraine, European security, and trade tensions with the United States.
Meloni voiced disappointment over the collapse of the two-month ceasefire in Gaza, which has led to intensified hostilities and civilian casualties. "We are following with great concern the resumption of fighting in Gaza," she said. "It jeopardizes the peace objectives we are all working toward, including the release of all hostages, a permanent end to the hostilities, and the return of humanitarian aid to Gaza."
While the Italian government has expressed support for Israel in its fight against Hamas, Meloni has also criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the past, particularly regarding restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza. She previously condemned an Israeli airstrike that reportedly struck a peacekeeping base in Lebanon, injuring five Italian soldiers.
In addition to the Gaza crisis, Meloni addressed trade tensions between Europe and the United States following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a 25 percent tariff on European steel, aluminum, and related products.
"I'm not sure if it is wise to respond with European Union tariffs," Meloni cautioned, warning that retaliatory measures could escalate into a trade war and worsen inflation.
The European Council meeting in Brussels, set for Thursday and Friday, will see EU leaders discuss these pressing issues. Italy is expected to advocate for de-escalation in Gaza and a cautious approach to economic retaliation against the United States. ■
