Italy has announced its readiness to send troops as part of a United Nations mission aimed at establishing a Palestinian state that is recognised by Israel.
Speaking in an interview with the Italian newspaper Avvenire, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani outlined the country’s commitment to addressing the escalating tensions in the Middle East. Tajani’s comments come in the wake of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s death, following an Israeli airstrike on September 27.
The foreign minister highlighted Italy’s close communication with its embassies in Tel Aviv, Beirut, and Tehran, saying that Italy is prepared to evacuate its citizens if necessary. He urged Italian nationals in the region to leave as soon as possible due to the delicate and volatile situation.
When asked about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech at the United Nations, Tajani affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself, noting that the current crisis stemmed from attacks on October 7. However, he expressed concern over the large-scale loss of Palestinian civilian lives in the aftermath of the violence.
Tajani also pointed out that Gaza and the West Bank have different administrations, complicating the governance situation in Palestine. He stressed that Italy supports integration efforts under the guidance of the Palestinian Authority, with the assistance of a UN mission led by Arab nations.