They met “in the context of recent meetings with the main leaders of the Middle East and the Gulf”, the PM’s office said.

“The fourth meeting between the two leaders since taking office allowed [Meloni] to reiterate the importance of holding the agreement on the ceasefire in Gaza that allowed the release of some of the hostages.

“[The prime minister also reiterated the need] to significantly increase humanitarian assistance in the Strip, where Italy is on the front line through the ‘Food for Gaza’ initiative.”

ANSA