Milan, 27 Dec. (LaPresse) – The investigations and facts that have emerged "cannot in any way detract from the crimes committed against the Palestinian population after 7 October 2023 during the military operations undertaken by the Government of Israel, for which a ruling is awaited from the International Criminal Court, to be made in accordance with the Rome Statute, ratified by 125 Member States, including Italy, which played a leading and supportive role." This was clarified by National Anti-Mafia and Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor Giovanni Melillo and Genoa Prosecutor Nicola Piacente in a statement regarding the operation that led to the arrest of nine people for financing Hamas. At the same time, the statement continues, “such crimes cannot justify the acts of terrorism (including those of 7 October 2023) committed by Hamas and terrorist organisations linked to it against the civilian population, nor can they constitute a mitigating circumstance”. “According to case law, acts of terrorism are defined as conduct which, even if committed in the context of armed conflict, consists of violent acts directed against the civilian population, even if present in territories which, under international law, are considered to be illegally occupied,” the statement concludes.