Rome, Italy - Yesterday morning, Honorable Michele Piras, president of the European League of Parliamentarians for Palestine, along with members of the league, including Hon. Stefania Ascari, convened a meeting with a delegation of Italian MPs at the Chamber of Deputies in Rome. The gathering marked an important step towards consolidating efforts to address the Palestinian issue at a European level.

The meeting brought together Italian MPs who had already joined the European League of Parliamentarians for Palestine, as well as those who are part of the newly established Parliamentarian Intergroup of friendship with Palestine. Additionally, several MPs attended for the first time, having been affiliated with solidarity and human rights associations. This diverse representation underscored the significance and broad appeal of the cause.

The discussion was highly engaging, covering various aspects of the Palestinian situation and the need for concerted efforts in establishing a robust and representative European network. The participants emphasized the urgency of changing the European approach towards the Palestinian issue and the importance of solidarity among European parliamentarians.

"In recent months, we have witnessed promising developments in our networking efforts throughout Europe," announced Michele Piras. "Our patient and persistent work is yielding tangible results. We are actively building strong continental links based on an inclusive and shared political framework. This document aims to unite both active and former MPs from across Europe. We have made significant strides not only in Italy but also in France, England, Scotland, Ireland, Spain, Germany, and the EU Parliament. Furthermore, we are preparing to expand our activities to Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Eastern Europe. We firmly believe that this marks a turning point towards enhanced institutional action, aimed at ensuring the full respect of international law and human rights in Palestine. The participation of Italian MPs in this movement fills me with pride, as it reflects the deep-rooted Mediterranean tradition of solidarity among my people."

During the Italian meeting, a general consensus was reached on several key activities to advance the cause:

1. Building the European Network: The parliamentarians committed to working together to establish a strong and interconnected European network that would amplify their collective efforts in support of Palestine.

2. Empowering Institutional Action: Recognizing the significance of institutional engagement, the MPs pledged to strengthen their advocacy within their respective parliamentary institutions to promote the Palestinian cause.

3. Press Conference: A press conference will be organized to unveil the European Network to the public and media, creating awareness and generating support for the cause.

4. Unhcr Special Report Presentation: The MPs agreed to organize an event in the Italian Parliament to present the new 2023 UNHCR special report on Palestine. This presentation will provide a platform for informed discussions on the pressing issues facing Palestinians and further galvanize action.

The outcome of the meeting demonstrates the determination and commitment of European parliamentarians to effect meaningful change and foster international solidarity with Palestine. With an expanding network and a series of planned activities, the European League of Parliamentarians for Palestine aims to propel the Palestinian cause to the forefront of the European political agenda, advocating for the full respect of international law and human rights in the region.

As these parliamentarians work collectively, their collaborative efforts hold the potential to contribute significantly to the advancement of the Palestinian cause and pave the way for a more just and inclusive future in the region.