Italian regions halt 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 emphasises that the government conducts foreign policy.
Suspension of cooperation with Israel
Two Italian regions, Emilia-Romagna and Apulia, have decided to sever ties with the Israeli government. The reason for this decision is the actions of the Israeli government towards Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, which have faced international criticism.
Response of regional authorities
The Governor of Emilia-Romagna, Michele de Pascale, announced that the region is severing all institutional relations with Israel. This decision is a response to the violence affecting the civilian population in the Gaza Strip. As he wrote in a letter, his actions are taken in the face of severe violence in the Gaza Strip, which heavily affects the civilian population and in connection with the proceedings initiated by the International Criminal Court against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
De Pascale emphasised that cooperation will resume only after the cessation of hostilities and the restoration of respect for international law.
The head of Emilia-Romagna’s administration emphasised that it is everyone’s responsibility to act within the bounds of legal rights and institutional authority to help bring an end to 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, emphasising that it is the Italian government that conducts foreign policy, not individual regions. 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 a wide discussion about the role of regions in international politics.
