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From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Meloni says Italy could recognize Palestinian state if hostages released, Hamas excluded
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Italy's Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni (C-L) listens as US President Donald Trump speaks during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, in New York City, September 23, 2025. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images/AFP)
ROME, Italy — Italy could recognize a Palestinian state only on condition that all Israeli hostages are released and Hamas is excluded from any government role, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni says.
Speaking from New York, where she flew for the United Nations General Assembly, Meloni says international pressure should be on Hamas rather than Israel, because it started the war and is blocking its end by refusing to hand over hostages.
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