Jerusalem – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani is on a mission to Israel and Palestine to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Israel Katz, and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa. During the talks, Tajani will reaffirm Italy’s commitment to peace, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages, in light of the recent death of the Hamas leader, which may impact negotiations regarding Gaza, according to a statement from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Tajani will urge Israeli authorities to immediately facilitate the increased flow of food and medical supplies into Gaza through the border crossings. He will also emphasize Italy’s support for the "Two Peoples – Two States" solution, which has always been a priority for the Italian government in the Middle East. Expressing deep concern for the impact of the conflict on civilians, the minister will outline the humanitarian conference on the Middle East, which will open the G7 in Pescara. The aim of the conference is to move quickly toward the humanitarian rehabilitation of Gaza and Lebanon. Tajani will further stress "the need to avoid an escalation in Lebanon, also to ensure the safety of UNIFIL forces in the country." (9colonne)