⁣Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni delivered a strong message regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel adn hamas, urging Israel ⁤to⁤ disengage from what she termed a “trap” ⁤of ⁤war. Speaking on September 24, 2024, Meloni emphasized the need ⁢for concrete ‍solutions to achieve peace, moving beyond appeals and ideological stances. Her remarks came during an address where she reiterated Italy’s long-held position⁣ on⁣ the palestinian question.

⁤ Meloni argued that Israel should act “for the history of the Jewish peopel, for his democracy, for ⁤the innocent, for the universal ⁣values⁣ of the free world of which it is part.” She stressed that peace requires tangible steps, not just rhetoric, and that a lasting resolution necessitates reasonableness from all parties.

Specifically, Meloni⁢ stated that Israel “dose ⁣not ⁤have the ⁢right to prevent a Palestinian state from being born tomorrow” and should cease building new settlements in the West Bank, actions⁣ she believes obstruct the possibility⁤ of a ⁢two-state solution. italy formally signaled its commitment to this position by signing the⁢ New York⁣ declaration supporting the ‍establishment of a Palestinian state. ⁤this ⁢stance, she affirmed, represents a consistent and unchanged element of Italian foreign policy.

⁢ though, Meloni outlined two crucial preconditions for recognizing a Palestinian ⁢state: the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas, and⁣ the⁣ complete exclusion of ⁢Hamas from any governing‍ role in Palestine. These conditions reflect concerns about the security implications of recognizing ‍a⁣ Palestinian state ‍while Hamas remains a powerful force.

In closing her 16-minute address, Meloni invoked the figure of St. ⁤Francis of Assisi, describing him as “the most Italian of the saints.” ⁤She quoted his saying that⁤ “difficult fights are reserved onyl for those who have an exemplary courage,” suggesting that the time has come for all parties to demonstrate such courage in⁣ pursuit ⁢of peace.
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