The Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, confirms to the Israel Government the call for the immediate reopening of the Gaza crossings for the entry of humanitarian aid. Last night, at the meeting of the technical Taskforce on the “Food for Gaza” initiative, all the actors who are usually involved were present. They all confirmed the absolute urgency of allowing foodstuff and healthcare to reach the Gaza Strip as soon as possible. Tajani repeats that “Italy is requesting the immediate reopening of the Gaza crossings for the entry of humanitarian aid.”
Italy is an active part of the process with already more than 110 tons of essential supplies sent between 2024 and the beginnings of this year, before the Strip’s access crossings were closed.
More recently, the Government has increased the financial contributions exclusively dedicated to the “Food for Gaza” project to around 40 million, partly as a result of the new allocation of EUR 10 million to OMS and UNICEF to support hospitals, get medicines and support emergency health activities within the Strip.
As part of this funding granted to the United Nations, and in parallel with the action of promotion the Italian system by sending foodstuff and essential supplies, WFP has distributed 800 tons of flour in the Strip in recent days, while efforts are being made to boost this volume of aid, to achieve the initial goal of assisting over 1 million citizens.
The “Food for Gaza” initiative is part of the broader Italian commitment to respond to the crisis in Gaza, with more than EUR 110 million allocated to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and development in the West Bank. The final element of this commitment is the expected resumption of activities with Italian civil society engaged in the Strip, in order to strengthen the capillary nature of the response on the field.
