Italy Ready to Recognize Palestine Under Conditions, Says PM Meloni

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that Italy is ready to recognize Palestine as a sovereign state, contingent on two key conditions: the release of all Israeli hostages and the exclusion of Hamas from any future Palestinian government. Meloni made the announcement during her visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, emphasizing that international pressure should be directed at Hamas, which she accused of initiating the current conflict and obstructing its resolution by refusing to release hostages, according to Reuters and other independent outlets.

Conditional Recognition and International Context

Meloni clarified that Italy's position aligns with recent moves by several European nations, including France, Britain, Belgium, and Portugal, which have recognized Palestinian statehood in response to frustration over Israel's military actions in Gaza. These recognitions are intended to promote a two-state solution, a concept rooted in the 1993 Oslo Accords but now largely stalled. Meloni stressed that Italy's recognition would only proceed if Hamas is excluded from governance and all hostages are freed, echoing similar conditions set by other Western governments.

Reactions and Regional Implications

Israel's government has rejected the possibility of a Palestinian state while its military campaign against Hamas continues in Gaza. The Israeli government maintains that Hamas's October 2023 attack, which killed approximately 1,200 people, justifies its ongoing operations. Meanwhile, Palestinian health authorities report more than 65,000 deaths in Gaza since the conflict escalated, drawing widespread international condemnation of Israel's conduct.

Meloni's remarks have sparked debate within Italy and across Europe, with some lawmakers preparing motions to formalize the government's stance. The Italian prime minister's insistence on excluding Hamas and securing the release of hostages sets Italy apart from other countries that have recognized Palestine unconditionally. Observers note that Meloni's position reflects a broader European effort to revive the two-state solution while balancing security concerns and humanitarian imperatives.