The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Antonio Tajani, is on a mission to Israel and Palestine.
The visit envisages meetings with the Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, and, in Ramallah, with the Palestinian Prime Minister, Mohammad Mustafa.
Minister Tajani said: “Italy’s commitment to peace is unwavering. I will reiterate to the Israeli and Palestinian authorities the need to reach a ceasefire and the release of all hostages.
The death of the Head of Hamas, who was responsible for the brutal attack on 7 October and for the start of the violence escalation in the region, could lead to a turning point in the current conflict in the Gaza Strip.” Minister Tajani highlighted the need to relaunch negotiations for the peace process to reach the goal of “Two Peoples – Two States”, which Italy has always supported.
The Minister stressed: “The impact of the conflict on the civilian population is now intolerable. I will illustrate to my counterparts the content of the humanitarian conference on the Middle East that will open the G7 Development Conference in Pescara, with the aim of improving humanitarian access in the Gaza Strip and addressing the humanitarian situation in the Lebanon. The Italian Food for Gaza initiative is a model to be pursued in this regard”.
He added: “With reference to the Lebanon, while recognising Israel’s right to self-defence against Hezbollah’s unjustified attacks, it is essential to avoid a regional escalation with unpredictable consequences”.
With specific reference to UNIFIL, The Minister explained: “I will be very clear with my Israeli counterparts: any attack on the soldiers of the mission must be considered a serious violation of international humanitarian law and Resolution 1701”. He will ask for further assurances for the security of the military contingents deployed.
