Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she has been accused of “complicity in genocide” in a complaint filed with the International Criminal Court (ICC) over Italy’s supply of weapons to Israel during its conflict in Gaza. The complaint also names Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, and possibly Leonardo company head Roberto Cingolani.
The October 1 complaint, signed by around 50 law professors, lawyers, and public figures, charges that by providing lethal arms to Israel, Italy has become complicit in genocide and serious war crimes against Palestinians. The Palestinian advocacy group behind the complaint seeks an ICC investigation into Meloni and others for genocide allegations.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
Last month, a UN independent inquiry declared Israel’s Gaza war a genocide, echoing conclusions from various human rights and international law experts. The ICC has issued arrest warrants against Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes but not specifically genocide; it also issued warrants for deceased Hamas officials.
Giorgia Meloni noted the uniqueness of the complaint and acknowledged the issue publicly during an interview with Italy’s RAI television. According to SIPRI, Italy was one of three major arms exporters to Israel between 2020 and 2024, supplying light helicopters, naval guns, and parts for F-35 jets.
Italian officials have said arms deliveries to Israel comply with pre-existing contracts and include assurances that weapons would not be used against Gaza civilians. Giorgia Meloni statement comes amid widespread protests in Italy condemning Israel’s Gaza military actions, with labor unions and dockworkers actively opposing the war and threatening strikes over aid delivery blockades.
