At the invitation of the Italian Dante Foundation in Amman, award-winning Palestinian journalist Daoud Kuttab presented highlights from his book, “The Palestinian State Now,” and signed the Italian and English editions. The work centers on the importance and necessity of establishing an independent Palestinian state for peace in the Middle East.

Kuttab stated at the book signing held in Beit Shocair for Culture and Heritage, which was translated into Italian by journalist Stefano Nani, the background to what happened in October 2023. “It came after 75 years since the Nakba, 57 years of occupation, 15 years of Gaza blockade, and nine years of no contact between the Palestinian and Israeli sides. Kuttab explained that these factors, most importantly the lack of a political horizon and any hope, led to the eruption.”

The Jerusalemite journalist stressed the need for countries that recognized the State of Palestine to translate their recognition into practical steps to realize the Palestinian state, including punishing the occupation and working to build the Palestinian state. He also urged countries that have not recognized Palestine to do so. “I wrote my book in English, and it has been translated into Italian, German, French, and Spanish to push reluctant countries to recognize Palestine immediately, because that is the gateway to peace,” Kuttab asked the Italian community in Jordan why Italy refrains from recognizing Palestine. “The Italian prime minister said she would recognize Palestine as soon as Israeli hostages are returned and Hamas ends its rule in Gaza. These things have been achieved, but Italy has not yet recognized Palestine.”

Kuttab concluded his lecture by presenting several practical proposals to support the Palestinian state, including helping Palestine reduce reliance on the occupation in economic matters such as energy, agriculture, and labor; promoting tourism to Palestine; buying Palestinian goods; opening new land crossings; and diligently pursuing the construction of an airport and a port.

It is also expected that Kuttab will embark on a tour to promote the Italian edition of his book in Bologna, Bergamo, and Milan in March, and Rome and other Italian cities in May.