Italy: In a week marked by diplomacy, humanitarian care, and unwavering advocacy, Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian concluded a significant visit to Italy, engaging with Vatican officials and Italian authorities in a concerted effort to address the humanitarian crisis gripping Gaza and the West Bank. The visit, part of a broader European diplomatic tour that included Slovenia, Croatia, Latvia, and Lithuania, sought to elevate global attention to the plight of Palestinians while strengthening institutional partnerships with the Holy See and European governments.
At the heart of her Rome itinerary was a highly anticipated meeting with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Alongside Palestinian Ambassador to the Holy See, Issa Kassissieh, Minister Aghabekian discussed the ongoing violence, the precarious humanitarian conditions, and the dwindling Christian presence in the region. Cardinal Parolin expressed profound concern over the conflict, emphasizing that the ongoing hostilities represent a moral defeat for humanity and underscoring the urgent need to allow unimpeded humanitarian aid.
Beyond the corridors of diplomacy, Minister Aghabekian’s visit turned personal and compassionate with trips to Umberto Primo Hospital, the Vatican’s Bambino Gesù Paediatric Hospital, and Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where Palestinian children are receiving medical care. “The aim was to check on the children and families, to ensure they feel someone truly cares,” she explained. She also introduced Ambassador-designate Mona Abu Amara to the patients, reinforcing coordination between the Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in matters concerning medical support and family welfare. Italy, she noted, has flown in 181 children along with their families to receive critical medical attention, yet she warned that “whatever is reaching Gaza is just a drop in the ocean” of need.
Minister Aghabekian also highlighted the moral and ethical influence of the Holy See. Quoting the Pope’s recent statements, she affirmed, “His words resonate globally, offering direction and support in a world of turmoil. What is happening is catastrophic, and we need guidance to act justly.” She described her meeting with Cardinal Parolin as “very productive,” covering not only the humanitarian crisis but also the broader political landscape, including peace initiatives and the protection of Christian communities.
The diplomatic tour, she emphasized, serves a dual purpose: pressing the international community to uphold human rights and international law, and building support for Palestinian recognition and humanitarian aid. “Any country that claims to support human rights must act consistently and without double standards,” she stressed, noting that global attention must focus equally on the West Bank as on Gaza, where settler violence, land grabs, and the threat of annexation continue unabated.
Looking ahead, Minister Aghabekian will travel to Cairo to participate in an Arab League meeting, continuing her campaign for a permanent ceasefire. “Every day that passes, hundreds of civilians are killed. Our foremost priority is to save lives,” she declared. At the same time, she underscored the need for a political path toward Palestinian independence, reaffirming that hope remains an inseparable part of Palestinian resilience: “Losing hope is not in our dictionary.”
The Foreign Minister also highlighted the wider implications of peace in Palestine for the Middle East and the world. “The occupation destabilizes the region and reverberates beyond borders. Only by ending Israeli occupation of Palestinian land can lasting peace emerge,” she asserted, calling on the international community to act decisively to prevent further cycles of violence. She lauded Arab unity on key issues, noting Saudi Arabia’s leadership in promoting peace and opposing displacement schemes like the so-called Trump Riviera plan.
Concluding her address, Minister Aghabekian launched a poignant appeal to the world: “Please stand on the right side of history. Peace is possible, and justice can prevail, but that requires respect for Palestinian rights so they may live in peace and security alongside Israel. Occupation cannot endure indefinitely; a people under oppression will inevitably strive for liberation.”
Through her diplomatic efforts and humanitarian outreach, Minister Aghabekian’s message resonated with a sense of moral urgency, hope, and steadfast commitment to justice a call for the world to recognize that peace is attainable if guided by law, ethics, and shared humanity.