Italy, Palestine Intensify Calls for Peace Talks

(MENAFN) Italy and Palestine have called for renewed diplomatic efforts to restart the peace process, emphasizing that humanitarian assistance alone will not resolve the ongoing conflict.

In a meeting held in Rome, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Palestinian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Varsen Aghabekyan underlined the importance of a political solution to end the hostilities.

The two leaders convened at Italy’s Foreign Ministry before visiting Palestinian children who are receiving medical care at several hospitals in Rome. The pair later addressed the press outside Gemelli Hospital.

Aghabekyan commended Italy for its humanitarian support, including the acceptance of patients, food aid delivery, and scholarships for Palestinian students. She explained that their discussions had focused on the current situation in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.

“There are clear calls from both sides for this aggression to end, for humanitarian aid to be delivered without obstacles, and for a path toward peace in the near future,” Aghabekyan stated.

She also emphasized that the scale of Gaza's needs cannot be met by a single organization, adding: “This is why even the smallest contribution from every country is very valuable.”

The Palestinian official reiterated the importance of a political process to achieve lasting peace. "The most important thing is a political process…Therefore, the political process is crucial, but due to the emergency in Gaza, humanitarian aid is also extremely vital today,” she said.

Looking ahead, Aghabekyan noted the upcoming New York Conference scheduled for the end of the month, stressing that recognition of the Palestinian state is key to securing a peaceful future. “The recognition of the Palestinian state gives us hope for the future…It clearly demonstrates that the only solution is the recognition of a Palestinian state that will live side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security.”

Tajani reiterated Italy's support for a “two peoples, two states” solution, reaffirming trust in the Palestinian Authority as the legitimate representative. "We trust the Palestinian Authority because we recognize them as our sole counterpart, and we believe the future of Palestine must be a future without Hamas,” he asserted.

Furthermore, Tajani confirmed Italy’s stance on a ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages, and opposition to new military actions in Gaza, calling for immediate diplomatic efforts to halt the violence.

MENAFN02092025000045017169ID1110004638