The government is working to create a humanitarian corridor for Israeli citizens being held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip following Saturday’s surprise air, sea and land attack against Israel, Foreign Minister and Deputy Premier Antonio Tajani said on Monday.
“We have expressed our solidarity with the people of Israel and are working to create a humanitarian corridor for the Israeli hostages in Gaza, to free women, children and the elderly,” Tajani told Trl.
“We support all initiatives in this regard.” On Sunday evening Hamas said that it was holding 100 Israeli hostages, including high-ranking army officers.
Shortly before, Palestinian Islamic Jihad had said it was holding 30 Israelis.
On the basis of this information, the total number of hostages is now 130.
Separately on Monday Tajani said on X the government is working to assist Italians stranded in Israel to return to Italy.
“On the way to Florence for the States General of cultural diplomacy. Working to try to help compatriots stranded in Israel to return to Italy,” said Tajani.
“Their safety is the government’s top priority,” he added.
Around 700 Israelis are now reported to have been killed and 2,500 injured in the Hamas attacks.
In addition, 750 people are allegedly missing.
As of Monday morning, the health ministry in Gaza said 436 Palestinians have been killed and a further 2,270 injured in retaliatory air strikes by Israel.
