Italian lawmakers demand urgent Gaza aid at Rafah border protest

A delegation of Italian lawmakers and members of the European Parliament (MEP) travelled to the Rafah crossing on Egypt’s border with Gaza on Sunday, calling for the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid and denouncing Europe’s inaction as Israel’s war continues to devastate the enclave.

“Europe is not doing enough - nothing to stop the massacre,” said MEP Cecilia Strada, speaking to AFP from the sealed crossing, one of the last potential gateways for aid into the besieged territory of 2.4 million people.

Walter Massa, president of the NGO Associazione Ricreativa Culturale Italiana, added: “It’s a closed border through which aid hasn’t passed for months. We can hear bombs and explosions just 12km from where we stand.”

Israeli authorities, who manage the flow of aid through coordination with Egypt, have kept crossings shut since 2 March. The blockade has been widely criticised by humanitarian organisations and observers.

Despite global outcry, Israel resumed its military assault on Gaza on 18 March, shattering a two-month lull in fighting.

Protesters held banners that read “Stop genocide now”, “End the illegal occupation”, and “Stop arming Israel”. Toys were laid on the ground in symbolic solidarity with Gaza’s children, as shown in photos shared by Massa.