Italy Condemns Violence Against Christians in Middle East by Israel

(MENAFN) Italy’s foreign minister on Monday criticized what he described as repeated and unacceptable attacks against Christians in the Middle East, attributing responsibility to Israel in remarks made after an EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels.

Antonio Tajani said violence and intimidation affecting Christian communities in Lebanon, Israel, and the occupied West Bank had become increasingly frequent, according to reports from the meeting.

Speaking about reported incidents involving harm and verbal abuse directed at Christians and Christian symbols in the region, he stated: “I condemned the violence against Christians in Lebanon, Israel, and the West Bank. These incidents are far too many and unacceptable. This also includes disrespectful behavior and insults against sacred values that offend the sensitivities of Catholics. No one should believe they have the right to insult the beliefs of others.”

Tajani also noted that EU ministers did not discuss potential sanctions targeting far-right Israeli officials during the session.

Turning to the war in Ukraine, he stressed that any future peace agreement with Russia would require a central role for Europe in negotiations and implementation.

“Without Europe, a peace agreement with Moscow cannot be reached,” he said.

He further highlighted the EU’s ongoing involvement in supporting Ukraine, including military assistance, sanctions on Russia, and the preparation of additional restrictive measures as part of its broader policy approach.

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