Italian lawmakers who have recently visited the Rafah border in southern Gaza say an international reaction to avoid the aggravation of a humanitarian catastrophe in Rafah is desperately needed.
The lawmakers had left Italy for Egypt earlier this week intent on providing the Italian government with first hand testimony of the tragedy the Palestinians are experiencing as a result of Israel’s crimes.
Israel’s cruel actions in Gaza are based on a clear genocidal intent, refusing to allow water, food, medicine and humanitarian supplies, is equivalent to exterminating an entire population.
Palestine must be immediately recognized as a state and a reconstruction plan is urgently needed.
Stefania Ascari, Five Star Movement
We saw thousands of trucks waiting at the border with Rafah as famine is ravaging Gaza.
Trucks are not allowed to go through because Israel is stopping them.
We are certain that a humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding.
Nicola Fratoianni, Italian Left Party
We have met Palestinian kids with their legs amputated in an Italian hospital in Cairo as Israel continues to commit crimes against humanity in Gaza.
There’s only one person who should be held accountable for the situation there; Netanyahu and his regime.
Angelo Bonelli, Greens and Left Alliance
So far, the Italian government has unrelentingly sided with the Israeli regime despite hundreds of pro-Palestine demonstrations having been held across Italy since the war began.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, a new demonstration was organized in Rome by a string of humanitarian organizations, charities and unions calling for an immediate end to Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
The initiative is also calling on Italian institutions to protect the rights to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression and opinion in Italy.
It is essential to protect and promote dissenting voices; the use of force by our authorities will not stop the course of history. Upholding the rule of law is the only way to ensure peace.
Luigi De Magistris, Italian Lawmaker
On Saturday, Rome was once again flooded by tens of thousands of people from across the country calling on the international community to hold Israel accountable for its systematic violations under international law, and to continue supporting the United Nations agency aiding Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.
Meanwhile, a demonstration in solidarity with Palestinians was also held in Milan.
