Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, emphasized on Monday that Italy does not support the recognition of Palestine without Israel’s approval. This statement, made during the eighth Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean in Barcelona, underlines Italy’s stance on the complex and nuanced Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape.
Tajani stressed the need for mutual recognition for peace to be meaningful: “The goal is peace, two peoples, two states, but if they do not recognize each other, it is futile. It’s just propaganda,” as reported by the Italian news agency Nova.
Regarding the Palestinian Islamic movement Hamas, Tajani labeled it as a terrorist organization, equating it with ETA or the Red Brigades. He expressed that dialogue with terrorists is not feasible, emphasizing the need to respect civilian populations while also acknowledging Israel’s right to self-defense. “Security is a priority, as is the right of the Palestinians to have a free state, free from terrorist control,” he added.
Tajani also highlighted Europe’s vision as a shared homeland where the rule of law should always be respected, whether in Hungary, Malta, or Spain. In this context, he pointed out that the Spanish government should respond to the European Commission regarding the amnesty law agreed upon by the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party with Catalan independence groups.
The Deputy Prime Minister’s statements reflect Italy’s careful navigation of international relations, balancing the need for peace and stability in the Middle East with respect for national sovereignties and legal frameworks within the European context.
