Israel must defend itself, respect humanitarian law - PM

(ANSA) - ROME, OCT 7 - Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni highlighted Israel's legitimate right to defend itself as well as the need for the country to respect international humanitarian law in a statement on Monday, the first anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks against the Israeli population.
    "On this day, we stress the legitimate right of Israel to defend itself and live safely within its borders, but also the need for this to be exercised in the respect of international humanitarian law", said Meloni.
    "We cannot, in fact, remain insensitive in front of the huge tribute of innocent civilian victims in Gaza", noted the premier, adding they were "twice victims: first of the cynicism of Hamas, which uses them as human shields, and then of Israeli military operations". (ANSA).