Italy foreign minister urges 'immediate ceasefire' in Gaza

February 29, 2024 10:50 PM

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called Thursday for an "immediate ceasefire" in Gaza and called on Israel to protect the Palestinian population after troops opened fire at an aid convoy.

"The tragic deaths in Gaza demand an immediate ceasefire to facilitate more humanitarian aid, the release of hostages and the protection of civilians," he said on X, hours after the incident which the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory said killed 104 people.

"We strongly urge Israel to protect the people in Gaza and to rigorously ascertain facts and responsibilities," he said.

The Israeli military said a "stampede" occurred when thousands of Gazans surrounded a convoy of 30 aid trucks, leading to dozens of deaths and injuries, including some who were run over by the lorries.

An Israeli source acknowledged troops had opened fire on the crowd, believing it "posed a threat".

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her "deep dismay and concern" over the violence, calling on Israel to "urgently ascertain the dynamics of the incident and relative responsibilities".

She also called for negotiation efforts to be "immediately intensified to create the conditions for a ceasefire" and the freeing of the hostages.