Meloni asserts that “Italy is following with deep concern the recent developments related to the decisions taken by the Israeli government regarding the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.”

“A collective commitment is needed to achieve a ceasefire and the release of the hostages, strengthening the international effort to guarantee urgent humanitarian assistance to the civilian population of the Strip,” in addition to reaffirming Italy’s support of efforts aimed at promoting negotiations for a ceasefire and peace and its “willingness to play its part in a post-conflict situation.”

On the other hand, the Italian leader condemned Israel’s decision to authorize new settlements in the West Bank, which she described as contrary to international law and as potentially “permanently jeopardizing the two-state solution and, more generally, the political prospects for achieving a just and lasting peace.”

From the Italian opposition, Democratic Party secretary general Elly Schlein declared that “given the criminal occupation of Gaza and the declaration by Netanyahu’s ministers that the prospect of a Palestinian state is dead, will Meloni continue to say that recognizing Palestine is premature?”

Schlein referred to the Italian government’s current stance against recognizing a Palestinian state because, according to Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, this would be only “a symbolic gesture,” since such a state “does not exist; it needs to be built.”

jdt/ro/ort