Italy Faces Mass Protests as Public Demands Palestine Recognition

UPDATE: Italy is experiencing unprecedented public unrest as protests erupt across the nation over the government’s refusal to recognize Palestine amid the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Just hours ago, a massive general strike involving approximately 500,000 people took place, igniting discussions about Italy’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The protests, organized by the USB trade union federation, respond to what they describe as “the ongoing genocide in the Gaza Strip” and the blockade of humanitarian aid. Demonstrations have surged in cities like Rome and Milan, reflecting a significant disconnect between Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government and the Italian populace, who are increasingly vocal in their support for Palestinian statehood.

Amid shifting sentiments, Meloni’s government has opted not to follow France’s lead in recognizing Palestine, despite several EU countries announcing similar decisions this week. This decision diverges sharply from the views of many Italians; recent surveys indicate that 40.6% of the population supports recognizing a fully sovereign Palestinian state.

According to the Italian project YouTrend, critical views of Israel’s actions have intensified following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks. Surveys reveal that 60% of Italians believe Israel should withdraw from occupied territories, while 63% consider its actions in Gaza as genocide. An overwhelming 65% of respondents describe Israel’s military response as disproportionate, primarily affecting innocent civilians.

Lorenzo Pregliasco, founding partner of YouTrend, noted a significant shift in public opinion since early 2025. Even voters from parties traditionally aligned with Israel, such as Fratelli d’Italia and Forza Italia, are beginning to express concerns over Israel’s military strategies. Pregliasco stated, “The extensive media coverage of the Gaza war has really touched people who did not have a strong opinion on the issue.”

As tensions rise, Meloni has faced mounting pressure to adjust her government’s stance. While she acknowledges the humanitarian crisis, she remains hesitant to label Israeli actions as genocide or recognize Palestine officially. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reiterated this position, stating that “a Palestinian State does not exist now, and therefore it cannot be recognized.”

The ongoing protests signal a growing demand for change in Italy’s foreign policy, aligning with the voices of the “pro-Pal Movement,” which advocates for pressure on Israel to cease hostilities and halt arms exports to the region.

What happens next? Observers are closely watching how Meloni will navigate increasing public discontent while maintaining her government’s position. The ongoing protests indicate that the Italian public’s desire for recognition of Palestine is not only growing but could influence future political actions.

As demonstrations continue to unfold, the urgency for a dialogue around Palestine’s statehood is clear. Italian citizens are calling for action, and the government’s response will be pivotal in shaping Italy’s international relations moving forward.

Stay tuned for more updates as this situation develops.