(MENAFN) Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Thursday praised the newly announced Gaza ceasefire plan between Israel and Hamas, calling it “extraordinary news” and urging rapid implementation of the agreement’s first phase.

In a post shared on the U.S. social media platform X, Meloni said: "The agreement reached in Egypt for the implementation of the first phase of President @realDonaldTrump's Peace Plan is extraordinary news that paves the way for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces along agreed lines."

Meloni expressed gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for what she described as his “relentless pursuit of an end to the conflict,” and credited the mediation efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye in brokering the deal.

She underscored the significance of the roadmap set by the Trump-backed plan, calling it a “unique opportunity” to bring an end to the hostilities.

"For this reason, I urge all parties to fully respect the measures already agreed upon and to work to swiftly implement the subsequent steps envisioned by the Peace Plan," Meloni added.

Italy, she said, remains committed to supporting mediators and stands ready to aid Gaza’s stabilization, reconstruction, and development.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani echoed the prime minister’s sentiments, describing the breakthrough as "great news."

Reaffirming Rome’s longstanding support for the U.S.-led initiative, Tajani said Italy is prepared to contribute to strengthening the truce, sending fresh humanitarian relief, and engaging in Gaza’s post-conflict rebuilding process.

He further stated that Italy would be willing to deploy troops should an international peacekeeping mission be formed to help reunify Palestine.

The statements came shortly after Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of the U.S.-proposed Gaza plan, initially unveiled on September 29.

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