“Italy has a role as a bridge between Europe and the Mediterranean to prevent us from falling into the trap of a clash of civilizations that would have unimaginable consequences,” Meloni said.
Meloni said Hamas’s aim “was not and could not be” the defence of the Palestinian people.
She said the Palestinians were “being trampled on” by Hamas “to provoke a wider conflict”.
She added, “working concretely, and with a set timeframe, on a structural solution to the Israeli-Palestinian crisis would be the most effective way to call Hamas’ bluff in the eyes of the Palestinians and help defeat it”.
She reiterated Italy’s call for Hamas to release the hostages it took on the October 7 attack, “starting with women, children and the elderly”.
She also stressed the need for dialogue with Muslim countries.
“I decided to attend the Cairo peace conference for Gaza in person, choosing to be the only G7 member nation to participate with a head of government,” she said.
“This is because I consider dialogue with Arab and Muslim countries vital at this moment.”
ANSA
