Italy’s defense minister, Guido Crosetto, said Israel’s government has “lost its reason and humanity” in Gaza, describing the situation as an outright violation of international norms rather than a conventional military campaign. The remarks were published on Monday in an interview with the Italian daily La Stampa. Crosetto argued that the scale of destruction in Gaza represents “the pure denial of the law and the founding values of our civilisation.” He signalled that Rome is open to supporting international sanctions, stating that the ongoing occupation of Gaza and serious actions in the West Bank require measures that would “force Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to think clearly, beyond condemnation.” The minister compared Netanyahu’s approach to that of Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying the two leaders’ methods have grown “dangerously similar.” While reaffirming Italy’s commitment to humanitarian aid, Crosetto defended the government’s decision not to join other European states in recognising a Palestinian state, arguing that premature recognition risks becoming a “political provocation.” Crosetto’s comments add to mounting European criticism of Israel’s plan to expand operations in Gaza City, which Netanyahu insists is necessary to defeat Hamas. The Italian minister urged the international community to distinguish between Israel’s government and its people, warning that failure to rein in the current strategy could deepen regional instability.