Italy ready to back EU measures against Israeli settlements

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has declared Italy's willingness to support European Union measures targeting Israeli settlement expansion and inflammatory statements by Israeli officials. The announcement came during her address to the Senate ahead of a key European Council summit.

Conditions for Palestinian State Recognition

Meloni condemned both settlement plans and what she termed "violent statements" from some Israeli officials, stating this is why Italy stands ready to back "individual European restrictive measures." She outlined clear conditions for Italy's recognition of a Palestinian state, asserting that "Hamas must accept no role in the transitional governance and the future Palestinian state, and must be disarmed." She identified these as "necessary preconditions" for Italian recognition.

Praise for Mediators and Ongoing Aid

The Italian leader praised recent diplomatic efforts, specifically acknowledging the mediation roles of Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye. She also commended US President Donald Trump for his "extraordinary energy" in advancing what she described as an "extremely positive" development. Meloni reaffirmed Italy's commitment to humanitarian assistance, noting the delivery of over 2,000 tons of flour and 200 tons of other aid to Gaza through its "Food for Gaza" initiative. She also expressed readiness to support the Palestinian National Authority, including through training leadership and contributing Carabinieri to train Palestinian police.

Broader Foreign Policy Stance

On other international matters, Meloni reaffirmed Italy's "firm and determined" support for Ukraine while clarifying that Italy has no plans to send troops to Ukrainian territory. She also indicated Italy would not support a revision of the European Climate Law "as currently formulated," criticizing what she described as an "ideological approach" to environmental policy. The stance on Palestine aligns with Türkiye's long-standing position advocating for a two-state solution and opposing unilateral actions that undermine peace prospects.