President Sergio Mattarella appealed
for a ceasefire in Gaza in a message on Tuesday to his Israeli
counterpart Isaac Herzog for Israel's Yom Ha'atzmaut
Independence Day.
The Italian head of State said "an immediate cessation of
hostilities in the Gaza Strip" was "indispensable".
"We hope that the cycle of violence can be broken as soon as
possible, that tensions can be reduced - including at the
regional level - and that the way can be opened for a dialogue
leading to a two-State solution that is just, necessary,
sustainable and in line with international law," Mattarella
said.
"A solution that is in everyone's interest and to which we must
all commit".
Mattarella also stressed Italy's unwavering recognition of
Israel's right to exist.
"On this day of justified pride for the Israeli people, we watch
the dramatic developments in the region, increasingly marked by
violence and tension, with great concern," he said.
"In this context, I wish to reiterate Italy's commitment to
ensuring that Israel can exercise its inalienable right to exist
in peace and security".
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