A majority approved an opposition motion calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, while reiterating support for Israel. This came after a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Meloni and opposition leader Schlein, giving Rome more of a say on the issue.
It showed a rare sense of unity. On Tuesday, Italy’s parliament passed a motion calling for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.” The bill was drafted by Ellie Schlein, leader of the main opposition party, the Democratic Party (PD), and approved by a center-right majority with abstentions. The unusual arrangement came shortly after Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reached out to Schlein by phone.
Move with the world. This coordinated move strengthens Italy’s foreign policy position against one of the most pressing international instruments: Israel’s ongoing military operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip and the high cost to civilians. . Similar to what is happening in other Western capitals such as London and Washington, political leaders in Rome are also changing their tone toward the Israeli government.
- Italy has called on Israel to further contain Palestinian civilian casualties and condemned its decision to escalate the ground invasion of Rafah.
- Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has argued for weeks that civilians who have “no connection to Hamas” are paying “too high a price.” On Wednesday, he bluntly said Israel was “making mistakes” and said its attacks were causing “too many deaths.”
When you look inward, An agreement between the two leaders would strengthen the current factions in parliament. Prime Minister Meloni’s active calling on Ms. Schrein comes as a result of her recognition of Mr. Schrein as an opposition leader ahead of June’s European Union (EU) elections, as well as her opposition to her position. It means the recognition that there is.
- In contrast, Giuseppe Conte’s Five Star Movement (M5S) remains in limbo. This coincides with the fact that deep rifts over foreign policy, including Italy’s support for Ukraine, prevent it from forging an electoral alliance with the PD.
- The two opposition parties are also at odds over a variety of national political issues. M5S’s bid to replace the PD and win over some voters has plagued Democratic politicians over the past few months.