Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has stated that the International Criminal Court has filed charges against her for involvement in genocide over Italy’s support for Israel during the Gaza war, according to a report by Al Jazeera on Wednesday.

Italy, alongside Germany, has been one of Europe’s strongest supporters of Israel amid its ongoing military operations in Gaza. The complaint, filed on October 1 in Rome, accuses the Italian government of aiding Israel by supplying lethal weapons used in the conflict.

Speaking in an interview with state broadcaster RAI, Meloni said that the International Criminal Court has not officially verified the allegations. She added that her Defense Minister, Guido Crosetto, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, have also been condemned for their roles in supporting Israel. Meloni noted that Roberto Cingolani, head of Italy’s defense and aerospace company Leonardo, may also become involved.

According to AFP, the complaint was signed by around 50 individuals, including legal scholars, lawyers, and prominent public figures. They accuse Meloni and other Italian officials of contributing to genocide by supplying arms to Israel.

The complaint states: “By providing political support and, in particular, lethal weapons to the Israeli government, the Italian authorities have participated in and assisted the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people. They are complicit in grave war crimes and crimes against humanity.”

The International Criminal Court has yet to issue an official statement regarding the case.

Source: Al Jazeera, AFP

TDD/SHS