The first phase of President Trump’s twenty-point peace plan for Gaza — described as a “significant step” towards ending the ongoing humanitarian crisis — also opens space for Italy, which, according to the Atlantic Council expert, can help transform the ceasefire into lasting peace based on stability, governance, and reconstruction.
Why she matters: Valbona Zeneli has long studied post-conflict transition and reconstruction from the Balkans to the Mediterranean.
- Her analysis highlights Italy’s ability to combine diplomatic credibility, operational capacity, and humanitarian expertise in Gaza’s recovery phase.
Q: From the Trump administration’s perspective, how is Italy’s position on the war in Gaza perceived?
A: Italy has consistently supported the American initiative, approving in Parliament a motion endorsing the peace plan and reaffirming its commitment to the two-state solution.
Q: What are the main objectives of President Trump’s plan for Gaza?
A: The first phase of the President’s Gaza Peace Plan, articulated in twenty points, has already been welcomed as a success — a key step towards ending the tremendous suffering on the ground — though the road ahead remains long.
- The goal is to move from a simple ceasefire to a genuine and lasting peace, grounded in stability, governance, and reconstruction of Palestine — a historic turning point that could pave the way for a new Middle East and even offer lessons and optimism for potential solutions in Ukraine.
Q: What conditions will be necessary for implementation?
A: The plan will require President Trump’s consistency and sustained commitment, while EU institutions and Arab governments must continue to exert pressure on both sides to ensure compliance with disarmament and good governance commitments.
Q: Is demilitarisation now the main obstacle?
A: It is. The complex plan envisions the demilitarisation of Gaza and the destruction of all military, terrorist, and offensive infrastructure.
- Gaza will initially be governed by a temporary transitional committee composed of Palestinian technocrats, under the supervision of a “Peace Council” chaired by President Trump, including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. Easier said than done.
Q: The economic and reconstruction phase is crucial to building a stable peace. Beyond security, for instance, through a possible role for the Carabinieri, is this the dimension where Italy can make a difference?
A: The “Trump Economic Development Plan for Gaza,” to be drafted by experts, will provide the foundation for the territory’s reconstruction and revival — and is now the most critical phase.
- Italy should be a key player in the three main pillars—security, economic and infrastructure reconstruction, and health—from the beginning of this process.
The bottom line: For Valbona Zeneli, Trump’s peace plan marks only the beginning of a long and complex path.
- But thanks to its balanced diplomacy and operational capabilities, Italy is among the few European countries able to translate political support into tangible results.
