Palestinian President Abbas meets with Italian counterpart Mattarella in Rome

By Lucy Davalou & Emma De Ruiter with EBU, AP

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas visited Italian President Sergio Mattarella on Friday morning at the Quirinale Palace in Rome.

According to local media, President Sergio Mattarella expressed concern over the situation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, highlighting Israeli settlements that contradict UN resolutions and contribute to violence against Palestinians. He reiterated his support for a two-state solution as the path to peace:

"We hope for an immediate two-States, two-peoples solution. Without this prospect, there will always be outbreaks of violence", adding that "once there is a ceasefire in Gaza, the Palestinian Authority will have to play a central role".

Meanwhile at the Vatican, Pope Francis met with Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati for a twenty minute private discussion.

According to the Vatican, the pope said “Lebanon is a country, a message, and also a promise to fight for,” following an exchange of gifts in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace with Mikati gifts in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace.

During the meeting, the Pope emphasised the importance of solidarity among Lebanese officials, especially in the face of the country's political and economic crises.

Lebanon is attempting to rebuild after the ceasefire, which ended the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel last month. The war displaced an estimated 1.2 million people and cost some €8.1 billion in damages and losses according to the World Bank.

On Thursday, it was Abbas who met with Pope Francis at the Vatican to discuss the Palestinian humanitarian situation. According to local media, Abbas urged Pope Francis to continue advocating for the recognition of the State of Palestine within the international community.

Video editor • Emma De Ruiter