Rome: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Friday called on Italy to recognize the state of Palestine, stating that such a move would help protect the two-state solution and solidify the foundations of peace. In his speech at the annual conference of the Brothers of Italy Party, Abbas highlighted the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital as the sole path to ensuring lasting security and stability in the region.

According to Anadolu Agency, Abbas emphasized that a fully sovereign Palestinian state would not pose a security burden but rather act as a source of regional stability and a responsible partner in maintaining security and building peace. He articulated the aspirations of the Palestinian people to live in their homeland with freedom and dignity, within a modern state that supports democracy, peaceful power transitions, pluralism, equality, and the rejection of violence.

Abbas further stated that countries recognizing Palestine view it as a positive investment in the future of peace and stability. He expressed hope that Italy would continue to support the two-state solution. Against the backdrop of a devastating Israeli war in Gaza that claimed more than 70,000 lives, several countries recognized Palestinian statehood during UN meetings in September, raising the total number to 160 out of the UN's 193 member states.