Pakistan, May 18 -- ROME - Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Saturday called on Israel to halt its ongoing military offensive in Gaza, stressing that innocent Palestinian civilians must no longer suffer the cost of war.

Speaking in a firm statement, Tajani said, "We have to tell the Israeli government 'that's enough'. We no longer want to see the Palestinian population suffer." He urged for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, while calling for peace for a people "who are victims of Hamas."

His remarks came shortly after the Israeli military announced plans to expand its operations in Gaza. According to Palestinian health officials, at least 146 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes in just the past 24 hours, pushing the...