Decoding the News. The interview with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani outlines Italy’s posture at a complex moment in international relations. It is also significant for its timing.
- It comes three days after his meeting with his Saudi counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, marked by the publication of a joint Rome–Riyadh communiqué on the Israeli–Palestinian issue.
- Today, Tajani is also hosting Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian for political and operational meetings in Rome.
- The Italian foreign minister also speaks about Ukraine the same week as the “Willing” group meeting, in which Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will participate remotely.
Humanitarian Support for Gaza
Tajani called it “unacceptable” that more than 120 children have died of malnutrition in the Strip.
- He recalled that Italy delivered more than 200 tons of food supplies: “We are doing everything possible to alleviate the suffering of civilians.”
- Rome, he added, will continue to work with Israel to allow the evacuation of families and the wounded.
- Hospitals in Rome — Umberto I, Bambino Gesù, Gemelli — are at the forefront of treating Palestinian children affected by the war: “We are the fourth country in the world, after Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, for the number of minors rescued from Gaza: we have evacuated 181, more than all European countries combined.”
- On the practical side of direct support, the minister also announced the launch of 100 scholarships for Palestinian students at Italian universities.
Recognition of Palestine
Italy recognises the Palestinian Authority, not yet a State, because, as of today, it does not exist; it must be built. Other countries have done so: do you think anything has changed? Some pass motions and those who try to be useful,” Tajani said.
Rome’s Role
Rome sees the PA as its interlocutor, hoping for a future free of Hamas. Italy intends to coordinate with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and other Arab countries to help steer the process.
- At the same time, Tajani stressed: “Israel has the right to defend its security and free the hostages, but it does not have the right to annexe territories.”
- Yes but… “Our line, which I fully shared with German Foreign Minister [Johann] Wadephul on Saturday in Copenhagen, is that violent settlers in the West Bank who also attack Christians must be sanctioned. And this is very serious, not because their lives are worth more, but because Christians represent an element of dialogue: attacking their communities and their churches means reducing the chances of achieving peace.”
On Hamas
“Israel has already won the war against Hamas. Tel Aviv has the right to defend its security and to demand the release of the hostages.
- But it has no right to go beyond the red line of a proportionate response.”
Riviera of Dreams
And the plan for Gaza became the “Riviera” of the Middle East? “I fear it is a pipe dream. It would be wonderful to turn Gaza into the Côte d’Azur instead of the site of a massacre. Any plan can be interesting, but the first step must be a ceasefire. And I see no encouraging signs.”
Ukraine Focus
Tajani expressed concern about another kind of “no encouraging signs”, the situation in Ukraine, stressing that “the ball is in [Vladimir] Putin’s court, but he aims to seize territory.”
- “So far, he has not achieved major results, but he has an army of one and a half million soldiers, pays three times the average, and has an industry that is now war-oriented. He cannot easily turn back. He will continue to buy time; we should have no illusions.”
Russia, the SCO and the West
Asked about Putin’s attempt to build an axis between Moscow, Beijing and New Delhi, highlighted during the Chinese meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), concluding these days, Tajani replied that more pressure must be applied on Russia.
- “Through financial sanctions that cut off funds for the army. We discussed this with other EU ministers in Copenhagen: the orientation is to proceed with a new package of sanctions, which I believe could arrive quickly.”
