ROME - In the first high-level European visit to Israel and Palestine since the ceasefire, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called for greater European involvement in peace efforts in the region.
On Monday, Tajani visited Israel and Palestine and met with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, President Isaac Herzog, Palestinian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Mustafa.
Tajani's trip is the first by a senior European official to both regions since the “fragile truce” took effect, a term he himself used to describe the current truce in statements before his departure.
The Italian deputy prime minister stressed the need for a greater European presence in the Middle East, particularly in Palestine, suggesting that Europe could play a meaningful role “if a mutually acceptable agreement between the parties is achieved”.
Tajani also expressed support for a possible UN peacekeeping mission in the region, “provided it is led by Arab nations”.
For Italy, the ultimate goal is the recognition of Palestine, although such progress will take time as it depends on mutual recognition between Palestine and Israel, Tajani said.
He rejected unilateral actions by individual states, saying “they neither benefit Palestine nor advance peace efforts”.
