Decoding the news. The meeting in Rome follows indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel in Doha. U.S. sources told Axios that a deal could be just days away. Decode39 can independently confirm, via Italian diplomatic sources, that the trilateral meetings in Rome are underway and consistent with this timeline.
- Rome is reaffirming its role as a premier diplomatic venue, echoing its involvement in the U.S.-Iran talks hosted at Oman’s embassy.
Bidding in Italian bridge. Italy plays the part of a “diplomatic bridge,” supported by a discreet yet effective intelligence network and a balanced international reputation.
- The meeting also underscores the trust between the United States and Italy, the strength of the Italy–Qatar connection and highlights Doha’s active role as a lead negotiator in the Gaza talks.
Who’s in the room? Steve Witkoff, the U.S. envoy, is to arrive in Rome today, Wednesday. Ron Dermer, the Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs, and a senior Qatari official are with him.
- Witkoff is expected to travel to Doha in the next days to finalise the agreement if meaningful progress is made.
The critical point. Israel and the mediators (Qatar, the U.S., and Egypt apart) are awaiting Hamas’ official response to the latest proposal.
- Qatari negotiators are urging Hamas not to reopen previously agreed points to avoid delays.
What we’re watching. Should the Rome meeting produce the anticipated breakthrough —or at least create the political and technical conditions to finalise a deal in Doha within days— it would mark an indirect success for Italy.
- This file sits squarely within Rome’s geostrategic areas of interest, as reaffirmed during Foreign Minister and Deputy PM Antonio Tajani’s recent visit to Washington.
- “I reiterate that the situation in Gaza is dramatic […] We are all committed to ending the hostilities and restarting the path toward a two-state solution,” said Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during remarks with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune at the conclusion of the Italy–Algeria intergovernmental summit, held today in Rome.
