Italy was among 13 States on Friday
to express opposition to Israel's plan to stage a major
operation against Hamas in Rafah in southern Gaza.
In a letter to Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, the foreign
ministers of Italy, Canada, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany,
Japan, New Zealand, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Sweden,
Australia and South Korea said that, while Israel has the right
"to exercise self defence", it must also "respect international
law".
The letter said a large-scale operation in Rafah "would have
catastrophic consequences on the civilian population".
In an initiative coordinated by Deputy Premier and Foreign
Minister Antonio Tajani, with Italy holding the G7 duty
presidency, the ministers reiterated their "opposition to a
large-scale operation in Rafah" and requested a "credible plan"
to protect civilians.
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