Italy's Tuscany Slams Door on Israel Ties

The regional council of Tuscany has voted to sever official ties with Israel, signaling growing regional discontent within Italy over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The announcement came amid a powerful speech by President Sergio Mattarella during a Republic Day concert in Rome, where he decried the conditions in Gaza as “inhumane and dangerous.” He called for unhindered humanitarian access, a ceasefire, and respect for international humanitarian law.

Mattarella also warned that continued Palestinian suffering undermines the two-state solution and fuels global resentment and anti-Semitism. While reaffirming Israel’s right to security, he criticized the erosion of Palestinian territories and urged for a recognized Palestinian homeland with clear borders.

The president further linked these crises to a broader breakdown in the international order, stressing the need for mutual respect and global cooperation—from the war in Ukraine to sustainable development.