Italian premier reiterates determination to play 'leading role' in Gaza's stabilization, reconstruction

​​​​​​​By Ilayda Cakirtekin

ISTANBUL (AA) - Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reiterated Italy’s determination to play a “leading role” in the stabilization and reconstruction of the Gaza Strip on Friday during a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Rome.

According to a statement from her government, Meloni "reiterated Italy’s determination to play a leading role in the stabilisation and reconstruction of Gaza, receiving the full support of President Abbas."

Meloni and Abbas discussed developments in the region and the need to consolidate the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip through the full implementation of US President Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan.

"Meloni also reaffirmed Italy’s support for the Palestinian Authority’s reform programme, which is of fundamental importance also in the context of the need to relaunch a political process that can lead to a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution," it added.

Although a ceasefire took effect Oct. 10, living conditions in Gaza have not improved, as Israel continues to impose strict restrictions on the entry of aid trucks, violating the humanitarian protocol of the agreement.

Israel has killed more than 70,000 victims, mostly women and children, and injured over 171,000 in attacks in Gaza since October 2023, which have continued despite the truce.