Italian
On the sidelines of the signing of the Middle East Peace Plan, Giorgia Meloni asserted Italy’s role in humanitarian aid, security, and the reconstruction of Gaza, reaffirming the goal of a two-state solution. The Prime Minister spoke of pragmatism and swift timelines, announced an operational paper outlining Italian initiatives, and said the recognition of the State of Palestine would be closer if the plan is implemented according to the conditions set by Parliament.
SHARM EL-SHEIKH (EGYPT). Meloni described the day as “historic” and proudly affirmed Italy’s role: “I am proud that Italy is here.” She acknowledged the “great success of Donald Trump,” calling it her most important diplomatic achievement, and thanked the regional and international mediators—including Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan—who helped make the agreement possible.
Meloni emphasized the need to seize an opportunity “not seen for many years” to achieve “a serious, lasting, and just peace” based on the two-state solution. Italy, she explained, is ready to do its part on all fronts. On the humanitarian side, she confirmed the continuation of the Food for Gaza initiative, medical evacuations to Italian hospitals—“especially children”—and the possibility of bringing healthcare facilities on site with Civil Protection, the Red Cross, and military units “already ready to mobilize.”
Regarding security, the Prime Minister recalled the commitment of the Carabinieri in Jericho to training the Palestinian police and Italy’s participation in the EU mission in Rafah, expressing willingness to expand its presence, including the possibility—if requested and following parliamentary approval—of contributing to a stabilization force. On reconstruction, she announced the involvement of development cooperation and the Italian private sector, noting that “the volume of work needed will be enormous.”
Asked about recognition of the State of Palestine, Meloni said the goal “is closer if the plan is implemented,” reaffirming that recognition will happen “when the conditions set by Parliament are met.” She clarified that the Mattei Plan remains “for Africa,” but some 360-degree development models tested under that framework could be replicated in Gaza with dedicated tools.
The guiding principle outlined by the Prime Minister is pragmatism. “We must avoid anything that could inflame tensions or provide an excuse,” she said, calling this phase “very delicate” but capable of “great achievements” if managed with clarity. She announced that the government is already working on an operational paper compiling “all the things Italy can do” to share with partners because “now we must move swiftly” and “send a signal of concreteness.”
In closing, Meloni expressed cautious optimism: the day “does not close something, it opens something,” an opportunity that until recently “could only be dreamed of.” Italy’s commitment, she assured, will be “on all fronts” to turn the ceasefire into a stable path toward peace and reconstruction.
