Thousands rally across Italy demanding recognition of Palestine

Rome (Web Desk): Italy has been rocked by a wave of nationwide protests after the government declined to grant official recognition to the State of Palestine.

Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched in several cities, with the unrest leaving more than 60 police officers injured.

Protesters voiced strong solidarity with the Palestinian people, denouncing Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which has now stretched into its second year.

In many areas, demonstrators blocked roads and staged sit-ins, while labor unions spearheaded a nationwide strike under the slogan “Shut Everything Down,” bringing daily life to a standstill.

Milan witnessed some of the most intense clashes as protesters gathered outside the central railway station, where police resorted to tear gas and water cannons in an attempt to disperse the crowds.

Similar scenes played out in Bologna, Rome, Genoa, Livorno, and Trieste, where strikes halted work at ports and disrupted train services, paralyzing transport and trade.

The protests triggered sharp criticism of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni from the opposition. Although Italy supported Palestinian statehood in a United Nations vote, the government has yet to formally recognize Palestine, a stance that fueled the demonstrations. Meloni condemned the violence, arguing that such actions would not ease the crisis in Gaza.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lashed out at France for its decision to recognize Palestine, describing the move as a reward for Hamas.

The war in Gaza is approaching the two-year mark, with reports estimating that more than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began.

Across Europe, momentum for Palestinian statehood continues to grow. Spain and Norway had already taken the step of recognition, and in recent weeks the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, Australia, Portugal, and France have joined them in formally acknowledging Palestine as a state.