ROME: Italy has dispatched a hospital ship to the Middle East to help the Palestinian population of Gaza, which is expected to arrive in a couple of days, the defense ministry said on Thursday.
As per details published by the ministry ship “Vulcano”, which is equipped with surgery rooms, is carrying 30 medical staff and heading to Cyprus.
A defense ministry spokesman said that the ship is expected to reach its final destination in a couple of days if weather remains suitable. The ministry, however, did not disclose the exact location of the ship.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in a press conference in Paris on Thursday said the ship would try to reach outside Gaza waters as soon as possible and ready to admit and take care of injured civilians.
Defence Minister Guido Crosetto has said that an army field hospital would also reach the area.
Italy sending aid to Gaza Strip
He added that such efforts were a concrete sign of the humanitarian aid Italy is sending to the Gaza Strip.
Crosetto went on to say that such initiative will be welcomed by the Palestinians. He added that no-one can object the humanitarian act.
The ministry in the statement said it was ready to send out other medical personnel once the hospital is up and running, including three anesthetists, two surgeons and eight critical care nurses.
The Gaza Strip has been under bombardment by Israel since the October 7 killing 10,812 Palestinians.
