“Anti-Semitism is a monstrous prejudice that must be fought everywhere and by every means, with all the strength that democracies can muster.” With these words, Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani addressed Parliament during his briefing on the situation in Gaza.

The deputy prime minister also referred to the clashes that took place on Tuesday evening in Udine, where pro-Palestinian demonstrators attempted to block the Italy–Israel football match. Tajani expressed solidarity with the two journalists injured in the protests and praised the police and security forces who intervened. “Anti-Semitism has resurfaced,” he warned, “showing that the memory of the tragedies of 80 years ago is no longer enough to keep hatred at bay.”

Turning to the conflict in Gaza, Tajani described the ceasefire as “a day of hope, a moment when we can finally imagine a future not entrusted solely to weapons.”

He recalled the images of children in Gaza celebrating in the streets and of Israeli families reunited with their loved ones after the truce, while cautioning against premature optimism: “As Cardinal Pizzaballa said, we can finally see the first light of dawn after a long night.”

The foreign minister also credited former U.S. President Donald Trump for his role in mediating the ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops. “Goals that seemed unimaginable only weeks ago have now become reality thanks to his leadership,” Tajani said.

The minister went on to defend Italy’s approach to the crisis, stressing that Rome has “worked patiently and pragmatically from the very beginning to keep dialogue open with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority, while helping to ease the suffering of the civilian population.”

“We built bridges when others wanted to destroy them,” he added. “That’s how you work for peace—day by day, without propaganda or grandstanding.”

During his address, Tajani also announced the appointment of Ambassador Bruno Archi as Italy’s special envoy for the reconstruction of Gaza, a role that will also cover humanitarian coordination efforts.