Italy Ties Recognition of Palestine to Hamas Exclusion and Hostage Release

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Tuesday that Italy could support the recognition of a Palestinian state, but only if all Israeli hostages are freed and Hamas is excluded from any future Palestinian government.

“I am not against the recognition of Palestine, but we should set ourselves the right priorities,” Meloni told reporters, adding that her government will present a motion to parliament outlining the conditions.

Speaking from New York, where she is attending the United Nations General Assembly, Meloni stressed that international pressure should be placed on Hamas, not Israel. “It started the war and is blocking its end by refusing to hand over hostages,” she said.

Her comments stand in contrast to recent moves by other G7 nations. Britain, Canada, and France have all recognized a Palestinian state this month, while Meloni’s government among Israel’s strongest allies in the European Union has so far refused to follow suit.

The debate over recognition has sharpened during the UNGA session. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged nations to recognize a Palestinian state, accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza and demanding accountability.

By contrast, US President Donald Trump strongly rejected recognition at this stage, warning it would “reward Hamas terrorists for their atrocities” and again calling for the return of Israeli hostages.

Italy’s position highlights the growing divisions within the international community over Palestinian statehood and the Gaza war. While some Western powers push for recognition as a step toward peace, Rome insists that the priority must remain the dismantling of Hamas and the safe return of hostages.

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