Rome, SANA-The organizers of Italy’s Levante Trade Fair said Monday that Israel will be excluded from its 88th edition, scheduled for Sept. 15–21 in Bari, following a directive from the Italian Trade Fair Authority and a request by the city’s municipality citing Israeli actions in Gaza.
According to the Italian news agency AKI, the decision was taken in line with the authority’s resolution and at the urging of Bari Mayor Vito Leccese, who called for a full ban on Israeli participation until military operations in Gaza end and alleged human rights violations cease.
The fair’s administration, which reported 240,000 visitors last year, said the move reflects a shared ethical and political stance with the Bari municipality. Organizers also reiterated their rejection of what they described as ongoing atrocities against Palestinians.
The Levante Fair is a major international platform for the industrial, food, artisanal and tourism sectors across the Mediterranean. The exclusion is seen as part of growing boycott efforts in Europe in response to the conflict in Gaza.
Tuhama/Manar Salameh
