Rome: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced that Italy requires additional time to decide on joining US President Donald Trump's "Board of Peace" concerning Gaza, due to constitutional considerations. Meloni explained to broadcaster Rai News that a "constitutional incompatibility" issue prevents Italy from immediately signing during the signing ceremony.

According to Anadolu Agency, Meloni expressed an openness to joining the board, noting that it would not be strategic for Italy and Europe to exclude themselves from a body deemed "interesting." She highlighted a "compatibility issue" between the board's statute and Article 11 of the Italian Constitution, which allows ceding parts of sovereignty only under conditions of equality among states to international organizations that ensure peace and justice. Meloni contended that this condition is not met by the board.

In response to a query about whether the "Board of Peace" might become a "private UN," Meloni stated that no entity could replace the United Nations. She pointed out that the Board of Peace was established within the framework of a UN resolution, but acknowledged that there are other aspects which pose challenges for Italy.

Last week, the White House announced the formation of the Board of Peace, along with the establishment of a National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. This was one of four bodies designed to manage the transitional phase in the enclave. The board's creation coincided with the initiation of phase two of a ceasefire agreement that ended Israel's war on Gaza, a conflict that resulted in over 71,000 deaths and injuries to more than 171,000 people since October 2023.