Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, announced that Italy will join the Greek-Cypriot initiative to establish a humanitarian sea passage towards Gaza, as reported by the Italian news agency ANSA. Speaking at the European People’s Party conference in Bucharest, Romania, Tajani informed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen of Italy’s commitment to a humanitarian sea passage to help save Palestinian lives.
Von der Leyen plans to meet with the Greek-Cypriot administration to discuss the initiative. Tajani also confirmed Rome’s support for von der Leyen’s proposal to appoint a defense commissioner as part of the new executive arm of the bloc, which will be formed after the European parliamentary elections in June.
Tajani emphasized Italy’s dedication to alleviating the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe, acknowledging the extremely complex situation but urging against surrender. He mentioned plans to coordinate with all humanitarian organizations in Italy to work with the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), currently in the Middle East, as well as intentions to address the Director of the World Food Programme, Cindy McCain, and others.
Tajani stated, “Our strategic goal is the resolution for both peoples and states, whereby the Arab world can recognize Israel securely, enabling Palestinians to enjoy their institutional reality. Now, ceasefire must be accompanied by the release of all Israeli hostages.”
