Source: Government of Italy (English)
Following the signing of the Middle East peace agreement, Italy has swiftly initiated coordinated action to draw up an effective strategy for emergency management and reconstruction in the Gaza Strip. The goal is to identify the most urgent and feasible measures in the short term, with a particular focus on humanitarian and healthcare support, at the same time as developing a comprehensive and synergistic plan among all the institutions and bodies involved.
As instructed by the President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, an operational meeting was called at Palazzo Chigi with the Ministries in charge and the institutional bodies involved in the process, in order to foster joint action and optimise efforts in order to achieve concrete results in all sectors: healthcare, education, agriculture, security and intelligence.
The meeting, chaired by Vice-President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, confirmed Italy’s commitment to contributing to Gaza’s reconstruction and relaunching a political process directed towards a framework of peace, security and stability in the Middle East.
The meeting examined the progress that has already been made, in particular in the humanitarian field, and there was confirmation of the commitments regarding the ‘Food for Gaza’ initiative, healthcare plans, education and training. The intention to continue with development cooperation was also underscored, including with the involvement of the private sector.
The task force will meet again in the coming weeks and, if necessary, will also be expanded to include the other ministries and other institutions involved.
The meeting was attended by: the Minister of University and Research, Anna Maria Bernini; the Minister of Health, Orazio Schillaci; the Minister for Civil Protection and Marine Policies, Nello Musumeci; the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, Francesco Lollobrigida; the Minister for Regional Affairs and Autonomies, Roberto Calderoli; the Minister for Disabilities, Alessandra Locatelli; representatives from the Ministries of Defence (the Chief of Defence, General Luciano Portolano) and Education; Undersecretary of State to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers Alfredo Mantovano; and, the heads of the intelligence services.