Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirmed in response to an inquiry in the Chamber of Deputies regarding European initiatives for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a resolution to the conflict in line with the two-state principle: "I do not agree with the position expressed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the two-state solution to the crisis in the Middle East," according to the Italian site "Decod39." She emphasized Italy's support for the two-state solution and expressed "astonishment at the inquiry which did not mention the events that sparked the crisis in the Middle East, specifically the brutal attack by the Palestinian Hamas movement." Meloni also stressed that the "Italian government, like other Western European countries, affirms the need to protect civilian populations."
This announcement coincided with Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto declaring the start of the transfer of the first hundred Palestinian children who will be treated in Italian hospitals. He stated in a press release: "The defense is pleased and proud to announce the beginning of the operation to transfer 100 Palestinian children and their families from Gaza to Italian hospitals." He confirmed that "the defense is working with personnel from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Gaslini Hospital to ensure the transfer of the first 30 children via an air bridge operated by the Air Force between Italy and Egypt, which will begin in the coming days." Crosetto clarified that "30 more children along with their companions will arrive in Italy at the end of this month aboard the naval ship 'Vulcano,' which will depart from the port of Al Arish soon."
He reiterated Italy's commitment to promoting a de-escalation of the conflict and assisting the Palestinian civilian population, who are innocent victims of Hamas. He also mentioned the intention of the defense ministry to send a field hospital for the army, currently under discussion with key countries in the region. He noted that Italy "was the only country to participate in a significant humanitarian effort with France and Qatar, and hopes that other countries will also be able to participate."
He said, "We cannot remain indifferent in the face of the severe humanitarian crisis; this race is a moral duty even before being political." He added: "Once the children arrive in Italy, they will be admitted to the hospitals designated by the Ministry of Health: Rizzoli in Bologna, Meyer in Florence, Gaslini in Genoa, and Bambino Gesù in Rome." He mentioned that there is a medical team from Gaslini Hospital in Egypt to facilitate the air or sea transport.
It is worth noting that demonstrations against the aggression on Gaza and in solidarity with the Palestinian people continue in several Italian cities.
