During the “Mediterranean Dialogues” (MED Dialogues) in Naples, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani met with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian.
Minister Tajani expressed his gratitude to both colleagues for their participation, noting that their presence symbolises a new phase of hope for peace in the Middle East and a future of coexistence based on President Trump’s Peace Plan. This event marked the first occasion since the ceasefire that both the Israeli and Palestinian Foreign Ministers attended the same forum, underscoring Italy’s commitment to promoting dialogue among Mediterranean peoples.
In his meeting with Minister Saar, Minister Tajani discussed the latest developments following the ceasefire, particularly the release of hostages by Hamas. He confirmed that Italy will continue to support the Peace Plan, including potential participation in the stabilisation force tasked with consolidating the ceasefire and ensuring the security of both Israeli and Palestinian populations. He also thanked Israel for its cooperation in facilitating the entry of humanitarian aid under the Food for Gaza initiative and supporting Italian evacuation operations for Gaza residents, including 196 patients in need of medical care. Minister Tajani expressed hope that Israeli authorities would ensure the full restoration of humanitarian flows to the Gaza Strip in coordination with the United Nations. Tajani and Saar agreed to maintain close dialogue and cooperation during the post-conflict and reconstruction phase.
In his meeting with Minister Aghabekian, Minister Tajani provided an update on Italy’s comprehensive engagement in Gaza following the Sharm el-Sheikh summit, through the “Italy for Gaza” task force, which includes Italian Ministries and key stakeholders such as federations, trade associations, and hospitals. Upcoming initiatives include: the shipment of an additional 100 tonnes of food supplies (the largest ever dispatched); an Italian Cooperation system mission to Jerusalem, Ramallah, and Jordan to identify priority short-term interventions (humanitarian aid and early recovery) and medium- to long-term actions (reconstruction and development); the hosting of Palestinian students and family members of Palestinians residing in Italy (23 October); and a new medical evacuation for Gaza residents in need of treatment (29 October). Minister Tajani confirmed that Italy will contribute to the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, focusing on healthcare (regional medical assistance, telemedicine, prosthetics, and prefabricated modules for hospitals, schools, and housing) and education, which is key to training future Palestinian leadership.
