Italy urges Iran to avoid escalation in Middle East

By Baris Seckin

ROME (AA) - Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni asked Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to avoid escalation in the region during a telephone call, according to a statement Thursday by her office.

Meloni emphasized the need to prevent the expansion of the conflict in the Gaza Strip, referring to Lebanon, it said.

She urged Pezeshkian to avoid further escalation and stressed the importance of reopening the path to dialogue.

Meloni also reiterated Italy's commitment to supporting peace and stability in Gaza through a cease-fire, the release of hostages and sustained humanitarian aid to civilians.

The Italian Foreign Ministry announced separately that 16 Palestinian children who were injured in Israeli attacks on Gaza will be treated in Ital7.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reaffirmed the concrete commitment of his government to alleviate the suffering of civilians in Gaza.

Italy has evacuated more than 300 Palestinians from Gaza for treatment since last fall, including relatives of Italian citizens and children in need of medical assistance.