During the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani elucidated Italy's stance on the Middle East conflict, which was markedly different from Spain's approach. "Our position is different: we believe it is critical to keep an open discussion with Israel. It is thanks to this dialogue that we have managed to evacuate almost a thousand people from the Gaza Strip and that, to date, the only UN convoy authorized to enter the area has been the one supported by Italy,” Tajani stressed, rejecting the idea of drastic measures such as suspending the EU-Israel agreement, proposed instead by Madrid. "We do not agree with the disproportionate Israeli military response to Gaza, and we continue to forcefully call for an immediate ceasefire," the politician said. "But disrupting relations with Israel would also mean shutting off the sole way for Palestinians to exit Gaza. Symbolic and unrealistic choices benefit no one and appear to be more concerned with internal politics than with a genuine resolution of the problem". Additionally, Tajani reminded that Italy had approved sanctions against certain Israeli settlers who were responsible for violations in the West Bank, emphasizing that dialogue can coexist with firmness. On the sidelines of the Brussels meeting, the minister reported on his discussions with Iranian colleague Abbas Araghchi. "I expressed our profound concern regarding the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which would have devastating economic repercussions for the global economy, including China", he stated.