Italian regions cut ties with israel over Gaza conflict
The regions of Emilia-Romagna and Apulia have suspended cooperation with the Israeli government. This decision is a response to actions against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Main information
- Emilia-Romagna and Apulia have severed contacts with the Israeli government.
- The decision results from violence against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
- The Italian Foreign Minister emphasizes that the government conducts foreign policy.
Suspension of cooperation with Israel
Two Italian regions, Emilia-Romagna and Apulia, have decided to break off contacts with the Israeli government due to its actions toward Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, which have faced international criticism.
Response of regional authorities
Michele de Pascale, the governor of Emilia-Romagna, declared that the region is cutting all official ties with Israel due to the ongoing violence affecting civilians in the Gaza Strip. In a letter explaining the decision, he cited the intense suffering of civilians in the area. He referred to the legal proceedings launched by the International Criminal Court against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, involving allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
De Pascale emphasized that cooperation will resume only after the cessation of hostilities and the restoration of respect for international law.
The governor of Emilia-Romagna emphasized that everyone bears the responsibility to take all possible actions, while fully upholding rights and institutional roles, to contribute to ending the violence.
Apulia in solidarity with Palestinians
The Apulian authorities made a similar decision. Governor Michele Emiliano called for the suspension of all forms of cooperation with Netanyahu's government. Emiliano expressed solidarity with Israelis and Jews worldwide who condemn the actions of the Israeli government.
Position of the Italian government
The head of Italian diplomacy, Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani, commented on the regions' decisions, emphasizing that it is the Italian government, not individual regions, that conducts foreign policy. Despite this, the regions decided to express their stance on this issue.
Governor Emiliano stressed that Apulia is not against Israel as a state, but against the policies of Netanyahu's government. These decisions have sparked widespread discussion about the role of regions in international politics.
