Statement by President Meloni on the second anniversary of Hamas’s attacks against Israeli citizens

Two years have passed since the abominable massacre by Hamas terrorists against thousands of defenceless and innocent Israeli civilians, including women and children. Those unspeakable crimes make 7 October one of history's darkest episodes.

Today, we once again offer our sympathy to the victims' families and reiterate our call for the release of the hostages, who are still waiting to return home after two years of imprisonment, torment and suffering.

Hamas's violence triggered an unprecedented crisis in the Middle East. Israel's military reaction has gone beyond any principle of proportionality and is claiming too many innocent victims among the civilian population of Gaza.

Today's anniversary comes at a moment in time when a concrete possibility of ending this war is in sight. The peace plan presented by President Trump, which has been met with strong support not only from European nations but Arab and Islamic nations too, offers an opportunity that must not be wasted, to reach a permanent cessation of the hostilities, bring home the hostages still being held by Hamas and initiate a process towards a framework for peace and security throughout the Middle East.

We all have a duty to do everything we can to make this precious and fragile opportunity a success. Italy has never failed to contribute to this end, and it will continue to do its part.

[Courtesy translation]