Egypt, Italy urge achieving Gaza ceasefire, implementing two-state solution

CAIRO – 30 July 2025: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Italy’s Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto have underlined the necessity of achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and taking immediate action to alleviate the humanitarian suffering of the residents.

As they discussed the Egyptian efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza during a meeting in Egypt on Wednesday, Sisi and Crosetto highlighted the need for the release of captives and prisoners and the commencement of the reconstruction process.

They stressed their rejection of the displacement of Palestinians and reaffirmed the importance of implementing the two-state solution to establish an independent Palestinian state as the only path to achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.

Their discussions regarding the Palestinian cause comes while the war in Gaza has continued for nearly 22 months, resulting in the death of more than 60,000 Palestinians, according to Palestinian health authorities.

To pressure Hamas, Israel has placed heavy restrictions on humanitarian aid deliveries and had even blocked them completely for some months, pushing the enclave toward imminent famine.

Amidst the ongoing war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, several European countries have recognized the Palestinian state, including Armenia, Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and Norway.

EU countries France and Malta also announced plans this month to recognize a Palestinian state in September, giving a boost to a two-state solution.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that his country would do the same unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire, revives the two-state solution, allows the UN to resume aid supplies, and halts West Bank annexations.

Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has called for an end to the war in Gaza, stated on Saturday that she supports a Palestinian state but that “she is not in favour of recognising it prior to establishing it.”

“If something that doesn't exist is recognised on paper, the problem could appear to be solved when it isn't,” Meloni asserted to Italian daily La Repubblica.

“I am very much in favour of the State of Palestine but I am not in favour of recognising it prior to establishing it,” Meloni told Italian daily La Repubblica.

Egyptian-Italian Relations

Sisi and Crosetto discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between Egypt and Italy in various fields, particularly military and security, thereby solidifying the strategic nature of their relationship amidst global and regional turmoil.

Discussions also covered ways to continue enhancing Egyptian-Italian regarding migration and combating illegal immigration.

Crosetto commended the efforts made by Egyptian authorities, which have led to a halt in the departure of any boats carrying illegal migrants from Egyptian shores to Europe since 2016.

The Italian minister conveyed the greetings of Meloni to President Sisi and expressed appreciation for the historical relations between the two countries.

President Sisi valued this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of continuing to enhance the momentum of their bilateral relations.

Middle East, Africa

The meeting touched upon updates regarding several crises in the Middle East, emphasizing the necessity of supporting peace efforts and establishing security and stability in the affected countries, while respecting their sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Furthermore, discussions highlighted the Italian strategy for engaging with the African continent to enhance development and mutual cooperation, as well as opportunities for Egypt to participate in collaborative projects with Italy in this framework.