In a gesture of solidarity, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani welcomed his Palestinian counterpart, Varsen Aghabekian, to Rome for a humanitarian-focused visit. The two leaders toured several hospitals where children evacuated from Gaza are receiving treatment, including Umberto I General Hospital, Bambin Gesù Paediatric Hospital, and Agostino Gemelli University Hospital.
The visit follows Italy’s recent joint declaration with Saudi Arabia aimed at fostering peace and stability in the Middle East. During discussions, Tajani reiterated Italy’s firm stance against the occupation of Gaza and the annexation of the West Bank, emphasizing the importance of a two-state solution.
Italy’s humanitarian efforts include the delivery of over 200 tonnes of essential supplies to Gaza and the medical evacuation of more than 1,000 Palestinians since October 2023. The ministers met with young patients, some of whom arrived in Italy during the latest evacuation on August 13. They also spoke with a Palestinian doctor currently pursuing a medical internship in Italy through a humanitarian corridor.
This visit underscores Italy’s ongoing commitment to supporting Palestinian civilians and advancing diplomatic cooperation in the region.