ROME (Reuters) - Rome's chief Jewish rabbi on Thursday sharply criticised Pope Francis over the pontiff's recent ramping up of criticism against Israel's military campaign in Gaza, in an unusually forceful speech during an annual Catholic-Jewish dialogue event.

The rabbi accused Pope Francis of fueling anti-Israeli and anti-Jewish sentiments by focusing on the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and not acknowledging the multiple threats to Israel's existence.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Tuesday during a visit to Rome that there was "true willingness" from Israel's side in support of a Gaza truce deal.

The Italian government has assured Israel that Benjamin Netanyahu would not be arrested if he visited Italy, Israel's foreign minister said on Wednesday during a visit to Rome.

ROME - Rome's chief Jewish rabbi on Thursday sharply criticized Pope Francis over the pontiff's recent ramping up of criticism against Israel's military campaign in Gaza, in an unusually forceful

Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Italy wants to build positive events after landing in Israel Monday as part of a visit to support Middle East peace after the start of a ceasefire between Tel Aviv and Hamas in Gaza.

Italy's ITA Airways said on Monday it would resume flights between Rome and Tel Aviv, starting Feb. 1, after a four-month suspension triggered by conflicts in the Middle Eastern region.

The World Food Programme would attempt to provide nutritional supplements to the most malnourished. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Italy's commitment to Middle East peace was underlined by the foreign ministry Sunday in announcing the details of Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani's trip to Israel and Palestine Monday. The Farnesina said the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation,

Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni, the chief rabbi of Rome, made the remarks during a meeting at Rome's Pontifical Lateran University

The Hind Rajab Foundation, noted for targeting IDF soldiers in Brazil and other countries, has put COGAT Major General Ghassan Alian in its sights

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani visits Israel and Palestine following Gaza ceasefire, focusing on humanitarian aid and post-war reconstruction.