The first contact between Italy and the PLO began in the 1960s. The Italian government was one of the first Western governments to establish relations with the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). Since then, Italy has been a strong supporter of the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination.[3] The relations between Italy and Palestine are based on economic, tourism, security, and education cooperation. For instance, Italy provides development assistance to the Palestinian Authority in order to help it build infrastructure and create jobs. In addition, Italy is a major tourist destination for Palestinians, and the two countries have worked together to improve security in the region. Finally, Italy has also provided scholarships for Palestinian students to study in Italian universities.[4]
In 2013, the Italian Prime Minister, Enrico Letta, visited the Palestinian territories as part of a larger tour of the Middle East. Letta's visit was seen as an effort to promote peace in the region and to strengthen ties between Italy and the Palestinians.[5]
On 27 February 2015, a non-binding resolution urging the government to recognize a Palestinian state was overwhelmingly passed by the Italian parliament.[6]
In June 2023, it supported the UNRWA with €1 million.[7] In October the same year, Rome abstained from voting in favor of a General Assembly resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict between Gaza and Israel.[8]
