BRUSSELS: Italy is edging closer to formally recognizing the state of Palestine following the recently agreed Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said.
“Clearly, if the plan is implemented, Italy’s recognition of Palestine will certainly be closer,” Meloni told reporters on the sidelines of the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit in Egypt, according to Italy’s ANSA news agency.
She said Italy was committed to supporting the creation of a Palestinian state while maintaining humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza. Meloni also expressed readiness to help stabilize the territory, including deploying Carabinieri forces under a potential UN mandate.
“Italy is ready to do its part. It’s a great opportunity. It’s a historic day. I’m proud that Italy is here,” she said.
A ‘Great Success’ for Trump
Meloni described the ceasefire agreement as “a great success” for US President Donald Trump, adding: “We wish him more [successes], starting with Ukraine.”
Trump has announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of his Sept. 29 peace plan, which includes a ceasefire, the release of Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
The second phase envisions a new governing mechanism in Gaza, the formation of a multinational peacekeeping force, and the disarmament of Hamas.
Earlier Monday, Israel began releasing Palestinian prisoners after Hamas freed all 20 living Israeli captives held in the enclave.
Since October 2023, Israel’s military offensive has killed more than 67,800 Palestinians, mostly women and children, leaving much of Gaza in ruins and uninhabitable.
