According to the Foreign Minister, the path from Gaza to the Lebanon is arduous, but a result can be achieved. “Common sense must prevail, diplomatic efforts are ongoing. We are also endeavouring to protect our soldiers’ safety.”
The only possibility to achieve peace is the “two peoples, two States” option.
‘There is still the possibility of averting a global crisis involving the Middle East. We can, we want to, and we must succeed. It is a difficult path, but it is a result we can achieve if everyone is fully committed and the parties involved have a responsible attitude. We must never give up the diplomatic route, which is the only one that can bring concrete results and avert a spiral of violence and instability that has already lasted too long. We and our allies are committed to this end.”’ Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, in Germany with President Mattarella, said as much on the situation in the Middle East.
After Gaza, the Lebanon. Does Israel’s reaction to the 7 October massacre risks setting the region on fire?
“Israel has the right to defend itself, but we must be careful that the situation does not get out of hand. Gaza and the Lebanon are closely interwoven. Therefore we say strongly that a ceasefire is needed in the Lebanon as it was and is needed in Gaza”.
Especially for the Lebanon, Iran will play a key role. Iran said it would send troops, but it is also true that the Iranians themselves admitted that the deputy Commander of the Quods forces in the Lebanon was killed in the attack. This means they are already there.
“It is well-known that military advisers are already there. It is clear that Hezbollah and all proxies are helped militarily and trained by Iran. The announcement of the sending of troops, however, should not be seen as Iran’s entry into the war, but as confirmation of strong political support”.
Lately it seemed that, considering the balance of power, Iran was trying to avoid an escalation.
“This is what we were told and this is what seems to us. Indeed, after the killing of Haniyeh in Tehran there has been no military reaction yet. We do not make predictions about the future, but we make an appeal to everyone, Israelis, Iranians, Hezbollah, Houthis, for common sense to prevail. We must avoid an escalation. It is a very critical, and complex situation, to which a solution must be found”.
By whom?
“By the international community. This week in New York we have established a network of diplomatic contacts, even chairing a G7 meeting, to try to reach a ceasefire. We have not yet been able to achieve it, but we have to keep on pushing, and that is precisely what we are doing even in these hours. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing. At such a difficult time, we are also working to protect our soldiers’ safety. Israel has assured us of the utmost care not to involve them”.
But does Unifil’s presence still make sense?
“The decision on Unifil is one for the United Nations to make. Minister Crosetto wrote repeatedly for guarantees about our military. Theoretically, they can potentially still play a very useful role. But let us see how the situation develops”.
Did Israel strike using the window of opportunity of the US elections? The New York Times reports they knew for months where Nasrallah was.
“I do not think the US elections were decisive. The Israelis attacked Hezbollah after the Shia militia’s rocket attacks had been going on for months. After all, they had warned that situation could not go on indefinitely. They would have struck anyway, even without the US elections”.
Israel called Friday’s attack ‘Operation New Order’. But, in your opinion, will they succeed in creating a new order in the Middle East without the creation of two States?
“We have long been saying very clearly that the only option to achieve peace is the “two peoples, two States” option. It will take time, it will be necessary to unify the West Bank and Gaza under the PNA. To achieve this goal, an Arab-led United Nations’ mission can be envisaged, with an Italian military presence, where needed. In this way, a Palestinian State can emerge that recognises Israel and is recognised by the other side. Palestinians must have their own State, Israel has the right to peace and security.”
