It is necessary to differentiate
between the Islamic militant group Hamas and the Palestinian
people, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said on Monday during a
lightning visit to Lebanon.
"It is necessary to make a clear distinction between Hamas,
which is a terrorist organisation whose aim is to destroy
Israel, and the fate of the Palestinian people," said Crosetto
at the Shama military base and headquarters of the Italian
contingent taking part in the UNIFIL (United Nations Interim
Force in Lebanon) mission in southern Lebanon.
"Italy, for its part, is moving at 360 degrees for there to be a
de-escalation of the conflict" triggered by the Hamas attacks on
Israel on October 7, he continued.
"It would be dramatic if these events were to inflame the
Islamic world and trigger a new war between the West and Islam,"
said Crosetto, adding that "this is the first time I have seen
such choral activism to prevent the situation from getting
worse".
On Monday the health ministry in the Hamas-governed Gaza Strip
said over 5,000 Palestinians have so far been killed in the
enclave in retaliatory strikes by Israel.
In Israel more than 1,400 people have been reported killed and
over 3,300 others injured since the upsurge in hostilities.
In addition, on Monday Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari
said 222 Israeli citizens are now believed to have been taken
hostage by Hamas, including numerous people with dual
nationality.
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