The United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal recognized Palestinian statehood, stressing the need to preserve the prospect of a “two-state” model. The United States and Israel remain opposed, despite most countries being ready to enshrine Palestine’s status at the UN General Assembly. An independent UN commission classified Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide. Against this backdrop, the decision by Giorgia Meloni’s government not to support recognition sparked protests in Italy—from clashes in Milan to port blockades in Genoa and Livorno.
Protests erupted in Italy after Giorgia Meloni’s government refused to back recognition of Palestinian statehood.
In Milan, a protester uses a pole to smash a window at the central railway station. The demonstration on September 22, 2025, was part of the nationwide “Let’s Block Everything” movement in solidarity with Gaza, whose participants also demanded an end to arms shipments to Israel.
Smoke rises inside Milan’s central railway station during clashes between police and protesters. September 22, 2025.
Protests outside Milan’s central railway station.
In Milan, police in helmets used tear gas to disperse demonstrators outside the central station. In Genoa and Livorno, port workers blocked roads in protest against the possible shipment of weapons or supplies to Israel.