by InTrieste
Italy’s right-wing leaders on Thursday hailed what they described as a historic step toward peace in the Middle East, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of his Gaza peace plan, ending a two-year conflict in the region.
Following three days of talks in Egypt between Israeli and Hamas negotiators, Trump said both sides had accepted the initial terms of a ceasefire agreement. The plan reportedly includes provisions for a halt to hostilities, the release of hostages, and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip under international supervision.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the news “extraordinary,” saying the accord “paves the way for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all the hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces on agreed terms.”
In a statement, Meloni expressed gratitude to Trump for what she called his “tireless efforts” to end the conflict, and thanked Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey for their mediation. She added that Italy “will continue to support the mediators’ efforts and is ready to contribute to the stabilization, reconstruction, and development of Gaza.”
Meloni’s government has faced criticism in recent months for its staunch support of Israel, with some human rights groups accusing Rome of complicity in alleged war crimes through its arms exports and diplomatic backing. Meloni has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, leader of the League party and a longtime admirer of Trump, described the ceasefire as “a beautiful, extraordinary, exciting day.”
“After so much talk and too many deaths, one can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Salvini said. “There is now a concrete prospect of peace, a ceasefire, the return of the hostages, the reconstruction of Gaza, and the removal of Hamas terrorists.”
He went on to suggest that if the peace process continues as planned, Trump would “thoroughly deserve” a Nobel Peace Prize.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Italy stands ready to assist in post-war reconstruction, highlighting that Italian companies have “extensive experience” in such efforts. He also announced that Italy would increase its humanitarian aid by accepting more Palestinian children for medical treatment and offering scholarships to Palestinian students at Italian universities.
Defense Minister Guido Crosetto echoed those sentiments, writing on X that Italy’s armed forces “are and will be ready to do their part.” He added, “Italy is there and always will be, when it comes to helping and supporting peace processes.”
The agreement marks the most significant diplomatic breakthrough in the conflict since hostilities reignited two years ago. While details of the implementation remain uncertain, the announcement has been met with cautious optimism across Europe and the Middle East.
If sustained, the ceasefire could represent a turning point for a region long trapped in cycles of violence — and a notable foreign policy victory for Trump, whose mediation efforts have been met with both skepticism and praise on the international stage.
