Giorgia Meloni on the second anniversary of the Hamas attacks: "These are unspeakable crimes, but we now need lasting peace in the Middle East."

On the second anniversary of the October 7 terrorist attacks against Israeli citizens, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni remembered the victims of the Hamas massacre and reiterated an appeal for peace and the release of the hostages still held in the Gaza Strip. A speech that unites firm condemnation of terrorism, recognition of civil suffering e invitation to international diplomacy to seize the current glimmer of respite.

"Two years since the ignominy of the massacre": remembering the victims and hostages

Meloni opened her statement with a direct reference to the still-open wound of that day:

Two years have passed since the ignominious massacre committed by Hamas terrorists against thousands of defenseless and innocent Israeli civilians, including women and children. Unspeakable crimes that make October 7th one of the darkest pages in history.

An act of collective remembrance that reaffirms the Italian government's unequivocal condemnation of Islamist terrorism, as well as its solidarity with the affected Israeli population, with a particular focus on civilians and the most vulnerable victims.

The Prime Minister then recalled the hostages still held by Hamas, of which many have not given any news for two years:

"Today we renew our closeness to the victims' families and once again call for the release of the hostages, who are still waiting to return home after two years of captivity, harassment, and suffering."

The issue of hostages has remained central to the international agenda in recent months, at the centre of complex negotiations and diplomatic pressure involving Israel, Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. Italy, Meloni noted, continues to closely monitor the dossier, including through its diplomatic network in the Middle East.

“Israel's reaction went beyond proportionality”

In her speech, the Prime Minister sought to maintain a balanced approach, recognizing Israel's right to defense but at the same time denouncing the humanitarian consequences of the military offensive in Gaza.

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

A position that reflects the double Italian concern: on the one hand, the uncompromising condemnation of terrorism, on the other, the protection of humanitarian law and the call for respect for the lives of civilians.

According to diplomatic sources, Italy maintains a line in continuity with the European one, who asks humanitarian ceasefire, aid corridors and a return to credible negotiations for the stability of the area.

“A real chance to end the war”

Meloni then underlined that the second anniversary of the Hamas attack falls at a time that could mark a historic turning point for peace in the Middle East.

Today's anniversary comes at a time when we can glimpse the concrete possibility of ending this war. The Peace Plan presented by President Trump—which has received the staunch support not only of European nations, but also of Arab and Islamic countries—offers an opportunity that must not be wasted to achieve a permanent cessation of hostilities, bring home the hostages still held by Hamas, and begin a process toward a framework of peace and security throughout the Middle East.

The Premier's reference to the “Trump Plan” (reformulated in recent months in a multilateral key with the support of moderate Arab states) indicates the Italian will to support a broad negotiating framework, based on dialogue and the guarantee of security for both parties.

In this sense, Meloni recognizes the strategic role of Washington, Brussels and the Gulf countries as mediators, stressing the need to prevent the spiral of violence from further escalating and destabilizing the entire region.

Italy's commitment: "We have never failed to contribute."

The statement concludes with an appeal to collective responsibility of the international community and to the continuity of Italy's commitment to peace:

We all have a duty to do everything we can to ensure this precious and fragile opportunity succeeds. Italy has never failed to contribute in this direction, and will continue to do its part.

Over the past two years, Rome has participated in various multilateral initiatives — from meetings of the EU Foreign Affairs Council G7 sessions — stressing the importance of a sustainable political solution and respect for the international humanitarian law.

The Prime Minister has repeatedly reiterated that Italy remains close to Israel in the fight against terrorism, but at the same time it is committed to supporting the civilian population of Gaza, promoting humanitarian aid, health care e development cooperation in the affected territories.

A reflection on the future of the Middle East

Giorgia Meloni's words come in a context in which, two years after the attacks of October 7, the Middle East remains suspended between diplomacy and conflict. Tensions between Israel and Hamas have not yet subsided, but the recent rapprochement between Washington and Riyadh, and the opening of some Arab states to a new mediation, give us a glimpse a diplomatic window.

Italy, with its tradition of Mediterranean dialogue and bilateral diplomacy, could play an important role in the rebuilding trust and in promoting lasting peace, in line with the vision expressed by the President of the Council.

Giorgia Meloni's message for the second anniversary of the Hamas attacks is an invitation to memory, moderation and hope.
Between the lines of a clear condemnation of terrorism and a call to limit the military response, the will to reconciling security and humanity, transform pain into an opportunity for peace.

A difficult but necessary balance, which calls upon Italy – and Europe – to take responsibility for supporting a long-term geopolitical vision, founded on diplomacy, stability and mutual respect.