Italy in talks with Arab, Muslim countries to prevent falling into trap of clash of civilizations: Premier

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) - Italy's premier said Wednesday her country is in talks with Arab and Muslim countries to prevent falling into the trap of a clash of civilizations.

Giorgia Meloni reiterated that her government stands with Israel and fully supports its right to self-defense, during a speech to the Senate, according to a statement by her office.

She denounced the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas, for starting the current phase of the Israeli-Palestine conflict and warned about anti-Semitism.

But Meloni added the right to self-defense should be exercised in line with international law.

While one side is trying for normalization in the wider Middle East, the other is trying to fuel a clash and highlighting points of division, she said.

“And all those on the right side of this confrontation must work together to prevent an escalation of the conflict. An extension that would bring with it the risk of the involvement of new regional actors starting from Lebanon and Syria, powers such as Iran, up to the major geopolitical players such as Russia and China who would certainly not disdain to see the West's attention diverted from other critical scenarios,” she said.

The conflict in Gaza began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood -- a multi-pronged surprise attack on Oct. 7 that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air. Hamas said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched a relentless air campaign against the Gaza Strip.

At least 6,546 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while more than 1,400 people have been killed in Israel, according to officials.