This afternoon, a phone conversation took place between the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, and the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Badr Abdelatty, ahead of the upcoming New York Conference on the situation in Gaza, scheduled for 28–30 July. Minister Abdelatty will lead the Egyptian delegation, while Italy will be represented by Undersecretary Maria Tripodi. The discussion focused on the ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza and the objectives of the Conference. Minister Tajani expressed deep concern over the dire conditions facing the civilian population in Gaza and reiterated Italy’s firm opposition to the forced displacement of Palestinians.
He informed Minister Abdelatty of his recent contacts with the Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, to whom he conveyed Italy’s position, underlining that the humanitarian situation in the Strip is unsustainable. In this context, Italy stands ready to strengthen its commitment through the Food for Gaza programme and to continue contributing to the EUBAM Rafah mission, which plays a key role in facilitating the daily transit of the wounded and sick.
The two Ministers also discussed the upcoming New York Conference, which will be organised around thematic working groups. Egypt will co-chair, alongside the United Kingdom, the group on reconstruction and humanitarian assistance, while Italy will co-chair the group on security together with Indonesia.
Minister Tajani welcomed with interest Egypt’s proposal for the establishment of a non-militarised Palestinian State, presented by Minister Abdelatty as a contribution to the broader debate on the future regional order. He also reaffirmed Italy’s full support for the Egyptian plan for the recovery and reconstruction of Gaza, adopted in March by both the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
The conversation also recalled the contents of the Joint Declaration signed on 21 July by 30 countries, including Italy, and by EU Commissioner Lahbib. The declaration condemns the killing of civilians in areas designated for humanitarian aid distribution, strongly opposes any plans for forced displacement or territorial and demographic alteration of the Palestinian Territories, and reaffirms commitment to a two-State solution.
Both Ministers agreed on the urgent need to relaunch a credible and inclusive political process aimed at achieving the peaceful coexistence of two States — Israel and Palestine — in conditions of peace and security.
