![Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni gives a speech in Rome, Italy. [ ITA Prime Ministry / Palazzo Chigi - Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/AA-20230608-31377142-31377141-GIORGIA_MELONI_OLAF_SCHOLZ_MEETING_IN_ROME-scaled-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, visited members of the Jewish community in a synagogue in Rome on Tuesday in the wake of the attacks on Israel by the Resistance group, Hamas, Reuters reports.
After talks with Chief Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni, Meloni pledged to step up protection for the community, saying that Hamas’ offensive may trigger possible copycat attacks on Italian territory.
I am here to say that we will defend these citizens from all forms of anti-Semitism
she told reporters.
Later, on Tuesday, a pro-Israel rally organised by the Il Foglio newspaper and the Jewish Community of Rome was set to take place near the Colosseum, with several politicians expected to attend.
On Monday Meloni issued a joint statement with the leaders of the US, Germany, Britain and France condemning the attacks on Israel and expressing their “steadfast and united support” for Israel.
Italy has said it is working to repatriate some 500 Italian citizens from Israel in the next few days.
READ: Putin says violence in Israel and Palestine shows US failure in Middle East