Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani visited Israel for the arrival of 15 trucks carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza as part of Italy’s Food for Gaza initiative. Israeli Ambassador to Italy Jonathan Peled welcomed the effort, particularly the decision to bypass UNRWA
Rome’s position. Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to a two-state solution during a joint press conference in Ashdod, Israel.
- “Any other move at this moment would be reckless, wrong, and, I would say, counterproductive,” he stated in an interview with Il Messaggero.
- His statement came in response to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar’s endorsement of US President Donald Trump’s proposal suggesting Israel hand over Gaza to Washington after resettling Palestinians elsewhere.
- In contrast, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini supports the plan and is set to visit Israel next week for talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Humanitarian aid to Gaza. Tajani visited Israel alongside Minister for Universities and Research Anna Maria Bernini to oversee the delivery of humanitarian assistance as part of Italy’s Food for Gaza initiative.
- The aid package, consisting of 15 trucks carrying 15 tonnes of essential supplies—including water distribution containers and winter relief items—was donated to the World Food Programme (WFP) to assist civilians in Gaza.
- “We commend Italy’s initiative to provide aid to Gaza through the WFP, ensuring support reaches those in need while keeping UNRWA out of the process. Together, we can promote effective and accountable humanitarian efforts,” Israeli Ambassador to Italy Jonathan Peled wrote on X.
Italy’s role in regional security. During his visit, Tajani met with Italian military and civilian personnel engaged in three EU-led missions in Palestine, underscoring Italy’s commitment to regional security and governance support.
- EUBAM Rafah: Italy has deployed seven Carabinieri and two experts to assist the Palestinian Authority in managing the Rafah border crossing. The mission resumed operations on 31 January.
- MIADIT Palestina: A bilateral training programme where 10 Italian military personnel train Palestinian police forces.
- EUPOL COPPS: Focused on reforming Palestinian security services and strengthening the rule of law.
(Photo: X, @WPF_IT)
