Italy Moves Closer to Palestine Recognition After Gaza Agreement

Italy has signaled its movement toward official recognition of Palestinian statehood in the wake of the recently implemented Gaza ceasefire agreement, according to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The Italian leader made the announcement during the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit in Egypt, indicating that successful implementation of the peace plan would accelerate Italy's diplomatic recognition process.

Speaking to reporters on the summit sidelines, Meloni stated that "if the plan is implemented, Italy's recognition of Palestine will certainly be closer." She emphasized Italy's dual commitment to supporting Palestinian statehood establishment while maintaining humanitarian assistance for Gaza's population. The prime minister characterized the ceasefire arrangement as "a great success" for US President Donald Trump's administration and expressed hope for similar diplomatic achievements in other conflict zones, including Ukraine.

Meloni confirmed Italy's readiness to participate actively in Gaza's stabilization process, including potential deployment of Carabinieri military police forces if mandated by a United Nations resolution. "Italy is ready to do its part. It's a great opportunity. It's a historic day. I'm proud that Italy is here," she declared during the high-level diplomatic gathering. The commitment represents Italy's substantial engagement in international peacekeeping efforts following the ceasefire implementation.

The diplomatic developments follow last week's announcement by President Trump that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the initial phase of a comprehensive peace plan outlined on September 29. The agreement, which took effect Friday, includes prisoner exchanges and gradual Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza. The second phase envisions establishing new governance structures, forming a multinational security force, and disarming Hamas militants. These measures aim to address the extensive humanitarian crisis resulting from military operations that caused substantial casualties and destruction in Gaza since October 2023.