Italy signals possible sanctions on 'Israel' over Gaza aggression

Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto delivered one of Rome’s strongest rebukes yet of 'Israel’s' actions in Gaza, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of having “lost its reason and humanity” and hinting that sanctions could be on the table.

In remarks published Monday by La Stampa, Crosetto condemned the ongoing military campaign, saying, “What is happening is unacceptable. We are not facing a military operation with collateral damage, but the pure denial of the law and the founding values of our civilization.”

The minister said Italy remained committed to humanitarian aid but argued that more must be done to pressure the 'Israeli' leadership. “We must now find a way to force Netanyahu to think clearly, beyond condemnation,” he added.

On the subject of potential international sanctions, Crosetto suggested that both the Gaza offensive and recent developments in the West Bank marked a dangerous escalation. “The occupation of Gaza and some serious acts in the West Bank mark a qualitative leap, in the face of which decisions must be made that force Netanyahu to think. And it wouldn't be a move against Israel, but a way to save that people from a government which has lost reason and humanity.”

Crosetto stressed the importance of separating governments from nations and peoples, as well as from their religions. “This applies for Netanyahu, and it applies to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin, whose methods, by now, have become dangerously similar,” he said.

His comments came after Netanyahu defended plans to seize control of Gaza City, an approach that has drawn mounting international criticism.

Italy has so far resisted calls to recognize a Palestinian state. Crosetto defended that position, warning that “recognizing a state that doesn't exist risks turning into nothing but a political provocation in a world dying of provocations.”