Italy, France vow to work together to prevent conflict in Middle East from spreading

ROME (AA) - Italy and France pledged Tuesday to collaborate in efforts to prevent an escalation of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas.

Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and France's Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna made the announcement after presiding over the first meeting of the French-Italian Border Cooperation Committee.

During a subsequent press conference, they emphasized their determination to work together to maintain peace in the Middle East and ensure that the Israel-Palestine conflict does not spread to other countries.

They also underscored the significance of a two-state solution for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"We are committed to working together with France to reduce tensions in the Middle East and prevent the Israel-Hamas conflict from spreading to other countries. Therefore, we are trying to take steps towards peace with excellent coordination by engaging with all stakeholders," said Tajani.

The ministers also revealed their joint efforts to provide assistance to civilians in Gaza and to facilitate the safe evacuation of their citizens from the Palestinian enclave.

The humanitarian mission is being conducted within the framework of the G-7, demonstrating the international community's dedication to addressing the crisis.

Tajani and Colonna reiterated their shared vision for a two-state solution, recognizing the complexity of the Middle East region.

"We have a common vision for the desired outcome. In such a complex region, ensuring stability requires a two-state solution with two peoples and two states," said Tajani.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and they confirmed their determination to prevent the expansion of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, according to an official statement.

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto meanwhile said that an Italian Air Force C-130 transport aircraft carrying humanitarian aid supplies for Gaza had reached Egypt's El Arish Airport.

Crosetto in a post on X said the aircraft delivered the second phase of humanitarian aid for Gaza.