Recent civilian casualties in Libya are causing a rift between NATO member states. Italy has called for an immediate halt to the violence in order to allow humanitarian aid into the country, a move which France opposes.
Italian foreign minister Franco Frattini announced on Wednesday that it is essential to halt hostilities in Libya in order to bring aid to the country.
"We have seen the effects of the crisis and therefore also of NATO action, not only in eastern and south-western regions but also in Tripoli," Frattini said.
"I believe an immediate humanitarian suspension of hostilities is required in order to create effective humanitarian corridors," he added.
The Italian FM observed that, in the meantime, negotiators should continue to consider a more formal ceasefire and peace talks.
However, despite the call from Italy, French officials insist that the UN-sponsored military campaign against Gaddafi should be further intensified.