Italy condemns desecration of places of worship in Gaza

The Italian Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Antonio Tajani, stated that "Israel must understand that there is no justification for what they are doing, such as desecrating places of worship of any religion", during his remarks on the sidelines of the swearing-in ceremony of new diplomats, in a clear reference to the escalating tensions in the Palestinian territories.

Tajani reiterated his call for an immediate cessation of all hostile actions, pointing to the recent Israeli attack on Palestinians in Gaza, who, according to him, "were trying to attack them with forgiveness", without delving into further details.

In a related context, the Italian minister revealed talks he had with the Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, discussing the resumption of negotiations with the United States regarding the Iranian nuclear program.

Tajani proposed that Italy be a "meeting ground" between the two parties, in an attempt to revive channels of dialogue, an initiative that he said he would convey to the US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, during the upcoming discussions.

Tajani explained that the Iranian side reiterated its commitment to continue its nuclear program "for civilian use", despite the ongoing stalemate in international negotiations on this sensitive issue.

These statements come amid growing international concern about the situation in the Middle East, whether in terms of military operations in Gaza or regarding the future of the Iranian nuclear agreement, which remains a complex issue within the current regional and international equation.