Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani has described a proposed 60-day initial ceasefire as “a decisive step” that should not be missed under any circumstances, Anadolu Agency reports.

“First 60-day ceasefire cannot be missed,” Tajani said in a statement released by the Italian foreign ministry following phone calls with his Qatari, Egyptian and Canadian counterparts.

“The mediation of the US, Egypt and Qatar must be successful. Italy will do what is necessary in the G7 and the EU to support it,” said Tajani.

“The possibility of a first 60-day ceasefire is a decisive step that cannot be missed.”

Tajani reaffirmed his country’s “total commitment” to ending Israel’s military operations in Gaza,

“Attacks involving Palestinian civilians must be stopped, Israeli hostages must be freed, a ceasefire must be consolidated and the (Gaza) Strip reopened to aid,” he added.