Italy calls for immediate halt to bombing in Gaza, urges ceasefire

BRUSSELS

Italy on Thursday called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and urged an end to ongoing bombardments in the region.

Speaking ahead of the Weimar Plus meeting of foreign ministers in Rome, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized his country’s commitment to NATO’s strategic objectives and to humanitarian concerns in the Middle East.

"Our message is clear. We need to stop the war," Tajani said. "With Egypt, Qatar, we are doing our best to help the civilian population. Our goal is the ceasefire. This message is clear: Stop bombing and immediately (free) the hostages."

Tajani also signaled flexibility in negotiations over NATO's defense spending target of 5% of GDP, saying Italy is committed to contributing more but will need additional time.

"It's important to achieve an agreement,” he said, adding: “Flexibility is important, and timing also. But I think it's possible to achieve an agreement with NATO for strengthening NATO and for strengthening Europe."

Also speaking at the same briefing, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte underscored the need for continued support to Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia.

"We have a lot on our plate today," Rutte said, citing the need to help Ukraine remain resilient and push toward "a lasting and durable peace" while also ensuring NATO’s own defense capabilities "not only now, but also in five and 10 years."

The Weimar Plus meeting gathered key European foreign ministers to coordinate regional defense and security efforts. The agenda focused on strengthening support for Ukraine, preparing for the upcoming NATO and G7 summits, and enhancing NATO’s readiness and defense industrial capacity.