Italy delays decision on joining US-led Gaza peace board

Italy has declined to immediately join the U.S.-proposed "Board of Peace" for Gaza, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni citing constitutional and diplomatic concerns that necessitate further review. While expressing a strategic interest in the initiative, Meloni indicated that legal hurdles prevent Italy from signing the founding charter at this time.

Constitutional Hurdles and Sovereignty Concerns

In an interview with Rai News, Meloni pointed to a "constitutional incompatibility" as the primary obstacle. She referenced Article 11 of the Italian Constitution, which permits the transfer of sovereignty only to international organizations that ensure peace and justice under conditions of equality among states. Meloni argued that the board's current structure does not meet this constitutional standard, creating a "compatibility issue" that requires resolution before Italy can participate.

Strategic Openness Amidst Reservations

Despite the delay, Meloni conveyed an openness to eventual membership, stating, "It is not a smart choice, for Italy and for Europe, to exclude ourselves from a body that is, in any case, interesting." She emphasized, however, that "no body can replace the United Nations," addressing concerns that the board could become a "private UN." She acknowledged the board was created within a UN resolution framework but noted "other aspects that are problematic for us," without specifying further.

Context of the Board and Broader International Response

The White House announced the formation of the Board of Peace last week as part of a post-ceasefire transitional structure for Gaza. The board's creation follows a conflict that has resulted in massive casualties since October 2023. Italy's cautious, legalistic approach contrasts with the immediate acceptance by eight other nations, including Türkiye and several Arab states. Italy's stance reflects a desire to balance engagement with a U.S.-led initiative against the need to uphold its constitutional principles and the primacy of the UN system, highlighting the complex diplomatic calculations European nations are making regarding this new platform.