News|Israel-Palestine conflictItaly’s Meloni says ICC complaint accuses her of Gaza genocide complicityA complaint lodged with the world court points to the Italian government’s role supplying lethal weapons to Israel amid its war on Gaza.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been named in a complaint filed with the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing her of "complicity in genocide" due to Italy's support of Israel amid its military actions in Gaza. The complaint has yet to be confirmed by the ICC.

Defense Minister Guido Crosetto and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani have also been mentioned in the complaint, which was officially lodged with the court. The complaint, dated Sun, Oct 1, 2025, includes signatures from approximately 50 individuals, including law professors, lawyers, and public figures, who allege complicity by supplying arms to Israel.

The complaint calls for the ICC to evaluate the potential for initiating a formal investigation into these charges. It underlines that by supporting Israel, particularly via arms supplies, the Italian government is allegedly complicit in severe violations of international law.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Italy was one of the three countries exporting "major conventional arms" to Israel from 2020 to 2024. The exports included light helicopters and naval guns, while the United States and Germany accounted for 99% of such exports. Italy also contributes parts for F-35 fighter jets under a U.S.-led program. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential use of these jets by Israel in violation of international humanitarian law.

Defense Minister Crosetto stated that Italy's arms shipments to Israel are under contracts established before Sat, Oct 7, 2023, and added that Italy has sought assurances from Israel that these weapons would not be employed against civilians in Gaza.

The complaint against Italian leaders is part of a broader context of legal actions concerning Israel's military operations in Gaza. The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Israeli officials over charges of war crimes, though genocide charges have not been filed. South Africa has also initiated a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), alleging breaches of the 1948 UN Genocide Convention.

The United States, not a member of the ICC, has resisted ICC actions against Israel. Recently, the U.S. imposed sanctions on three Palestinian human rights organizations for their involvement in ICC investigations.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.