Italy is unlikely to join a proposed international body to govern Gaza after Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti raised constitutional and political concerns about the initiative promoted by US President Donald Trump.
Speaking in Rome on Wednesday, Giorgetti said participation in the so called Board of Peace appeared problematic based on details reported so far. He made the remarks during an event linked to the Winter Olympics Italy will host next month.
Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported earlier that Rome would opt out of the initiative, citing legal concerns that joining a body dominated by a single leader could breach Italy’s constitution. The paper said Italy may only take part in international organizations that guarantee peace and justice on equal terms among member states.
According to the report, the proposed board would be chaired by Trump for life and require member countries to contribute one billion dollars each for permanent status. The board would initially focus on Gaza before expanding to other global conflicts.
Giorgetti echoed the concerns without directly confirming Italy’s position, saying that from what he had read in the media, “there seem to be some problems” with participation.
Trump’s proposal has drawn cautious responses from several Western governments, with diplomats warning that it could weaken existing multilateral efforts led by the United Nations. Invitations have reportedly been sent to about sixty countries.
Only a small group including Hungary, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Pakistan have accepted without reservations. Adding to unease among European allies, the Kremlin confirmed this week that Russian President Vladimir Putin had also received an invitation.
Trump is expected to formally launch the initiative on Thursday during a ceremony in Davos, Switzerland, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum.
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Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has previously maintained cordial ties with Trump, is not expected to attend the Davos event, according to a source familiar with the matter. Her office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the Corriere della Sera report.
For now, Italian officials appear intent on keeping their distance as legal and diplomatic questions around the proposal continue to mount. Further clarity is expected once more governments publicly state their positions.
