Rome/NEW YORK, Sept 23 (Dnn Post) — Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Italy would only recognize a Palestinian state if all Israeli hostages held by Hamas were released and the militant group was excluded from any future role in government. Her remarks, delivered during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, marked a conditional shift in Italy’s policy toward Palestinian statehood.
Conditional recognition of hostages, Hamas’ role
Speaking to reporters alongside her participation in the UN proceedings, Meloni stressed that Italy is not fundamentally opposed to Palestinian recognition but insisted that the right priorities must be set first.
Her government will table a motion in the Italian Parliament reflecting those conditions, she said.
It placed responsibility for the war on Hamas, accusing the group of both starting the conflict and preventing it from ending.
Meloni’s remarks contrast with those of some Western and G7 governments that recently unconditionally recognized the Palestinian state, including the United Kingdom, Canada, France and Australia. according to Reuters
Reaction and internal pressure
Meloni’s conditional approach may seek to balance Italy’s longstanding support for Israel – a hallmark of her right-wing government – with growing public pressure on Italy’s response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Large protests have swept through Italian cities, demanding tougher action in Gaza and more support for Palestine.
Critics may argue that the conditions effectively delay recognition indefinitely, as ensuring the full release of hostages and removing Hamas from power are far too stringent. Some diplomatic observers see Meloni’s stance as an attempt to avoid alienating Israel or angering Italy’s conservative allies.
The impact of Gaza diplomacy, European unity
If the motion passes the Italian parliament, it could formalize Italy’s conditional stance on the policy, making it one of the few major EU states to delay recognition. That could affect the EU’s consensus on Middle East processes and the slow pace behind the diplomatic waves of recognition.
From the Israeli-Palestinian perspective, Italy’s stance could be seen as an advantage: recognition becomes a tool tied to hostage diplomacy and the legitimacy of the regime. For Palestinian actors, the demands risk being rejected as preconditions that prioritize Israel’s security demands for Palestinian sovereignty.
Ultimately, the impact will depend on whether Italy can push for progress on the hostages and influence Palestinian politics. If neither progress is made, Italy may remain in a waiting position either not joining unconditional recognition or strongly rejecting it. Watch here
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