Statement by Palazzo Chigi on the sending of humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza

Italy has been active in sending humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza since day one. In agreement with key partners in the region and with Israel, Italy has sent two flights containing humanitarian supplies from the United Nations logistics base in Brindisi, as well as the Italian Navy hospital ship the ‘Vulcano’, in particular to help treat injured children in Gaza, which is expected to dock at the port of Al Arish in Egypt in the coming days (on 3 December). 

Paediatricians from other nations, starting with Qatar, are also set to work aboard the ship, as are organisations such as the Francesca Rava Foundation. Cooperation with Egypt has been crucial to the success of these humanitarian operations. Deployment of a field hospital in Gaza together with the United Arab Emirates is also being looked into. Also in agreement with the United Arab Emirates, there are plans to send Italian paediatricians from the Gaslini hospital in Genoa and the Bambino Gesù hospital in Rome to help Emirati doctors treat the numerous Palestinian child patients who have been transferred to the UAE over the last few days. The first team of doctors from the Gaslini and Bambino Gesù hospitals will arrive in Dubai today, 30 November, on the President of the Council of Ministers’ flight. 

President Meloni has been following the assistance provided to the civilian population in Gaza ever since the beginning of the conflict, in collaboration with the countries in the region that are particularly involved, together with Vice-President of the Council of Ministers Antonio Tajani and in close coordination with the Minister of Defence, Guido Crosetto, and the Minister of Health, Orazio Schillaci.