Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Wednesday that Israel’s military response to the October 7, 2022 Hamas attacks has gone “beyond proportionality,” stressing the urgent need for a ceasefire.
Speaking at the annual Rimini Meeting of the Catholic group Comunione e Liberazione, Meloni reaffirmed Italy’s early support for Israel’s right to self-defense after the deadly Hamas assault. However, she warned that the scale of Israel’s retaliation had caused “too many innocent victims,” including Christian communities, and could no longer be ignored.
Meloni reiterated her call for an immediate ceasefire and demanded the release of hostages still held by Hamas. She emphasized that while defending against terrorism is a right, international law and humanitarian principles must guide the response to prevent further civilian suffering.
Her remarks add to growing international concern over the rising civilian toll in Gaza, with increasing pressure on both sides to de-escalate and return to negotiations.