Statement by Palazzo Chigi on the evacuation of Palestinian citizens from Gaza

Through a complex and intricate evacuation operation coordinated by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defence, the Italian Government has successfully completed two separate missions to bring Palestinian refugees from Gaza to Italy. The missions, completed also with the support of Italy's intelligence services, were carried out in coordination with international and local partners.

The first mission was carried out in close coordination with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and allowed Italy to evacuate a further 80 Palestinian citizens, including sick children and those accompanying them. This purely medical and health-related mission was made possible thanks to the use of Italian Air Force aircraft.
The evacuation from the Gaza Strip took place via the Kerem Shalom crossing. After reaching Israel's Ramon airport, the group boarded three Italian Air Force C-130 transport planes. The aircraft took off for Rome, Verona, Pisa and Lecce, where healthcare personnel and the responsible authorities are already providing the necessary assistance.

During the night between 28 and 29 September 2025, there was another evacuation mission for a group of 72 Palestinians, including humanitarian cases, students and people in family reunification situations.
This mission began near the Shuhada al-Aqsa hospital in Deir al-Balah, in the heart of the Gaza Strip. Despite the fierce gun battles in the area, Italian personnel assisted the group once they passed the Kerem Shalom crossing. The group was then transferred to Jordan, where they were placed in the care of local Italian Embassy staff.
The 72 evacuees will reach Italy on 1 October aboard two airplanes provided by the Italian Finance Police and Civil Protection Department.

These missions confirm the Italian Government's ongoing commitment to providing humanitarian assistance and protecting human lives in situations of dramatic crisis, like in Gaza. Italy remains at the forefront of efforts for stability and peace and will continue to work with determination to ease the suffering of conflict-affected peoples, ensuring full respect of human rights and the release of the hostages in Gaza.