“It will remain a shameful page in history,” said Italian President Sergio Mattarella, marking two years since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks against Israeli civilians. “A vile terrorist assault that struck defenseless people, inflicting deep wounds on peace and security in the region.”
Mattarella expressed solidarity with Israel while also condemning the “cruel and unacceptable violence of arms” by Israel in Gaza, which he said “has imposed an intolerable toll of death, hunger, and despair on the civilian population.”
He stressed that such condemnation “does not diminish the horror for the atrocious violence committed by Hamas,” recalling the massacre of young people attending a music festival and families murdered in their homes.
The president warned against the resurgence of antisemitism “fueled by ignorance and hate,” urging the international community to redouble efforts toward peace. “Two years on, I renew my closeness to the people of Israel and to the families of the victims and the kidnapped, who must be released immediately,” Mattarella said.