Meloni’s Conditional Recognition of Palestine Criticized by Conte

Rome: Premier Giorgia Meloni’s proposal to recognize the state of Palestine only under the conditions of the release of Israeli hostages and the removal of Hamas from Gaza has been labeled a “miserable ploy” by former premier and leader of the leftwing 5-Star Movement (M5S), Giuseppe Conte.

According to Ansa News Agency, Conte criticized the conditional recognition as an invention by Meloni that underscores the government’s indolence. He emphasized that the recognition of a state is a formal act with significant symbolic and political value, suggesting that Italy’s approach lacks sincerity. Conte questioned why Italy has not joined over 150 other countries in recognizing Palestine, accusing the government of hypocrisy and stating that its continued support for Netanyahu is inappropriate. He warned that delaying recognition might result in a situation where the conditions for recognition no longer exist, as the Palestinian population may cease to exist.