France recognizes Palestine, demands rise in Italy amid violent protests
Rome (The Uttam Hindu): France formally recognized Palestine as an independent nation on Tuesday during a meeting of the United Nations Middle East Peace Process. The announcement by French President Emmanuel Macron comes after Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal also recognized Palestine within the past 36 hours. However, countries like the United States, Israel and Italy have not yet taken this step.
France recognizes Palestine, demands raised in Italy as well; violent protests impact trains and ports : Widespread and violent protests have started in Italy against the non-recognition of Palestine. The protesters are demanding that the Italian government immediately demand a ceasefire in Gaza and recognize Palestine as an independent nation. Late on Tuesday evening, hundreds of protesters wearing black clothes entered the central train station of Milan city. The protesters threw smoke bombs, bottles and stones at the police. There were incidents of vandalism and arson in the station premises. Many government properties were also damaged. To bring the situation under control, the police used force and used water cannons.
Trains have been halted in major cities like Milan and Rome, and several ports have been closed. More than 60 police officers have been injured so far in clashes between police and protesters in Milan. Ten protesters have been detained. In Naples, a busy port city in southern Italy, protesters also attempted to block roads and stage demonstrations at railway stations. Traffic has been severely disrupted in many places.
Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni is facing increasing domestic and international pressure to recognize Palestine, but he has so far refused to soften his stance. Meloni has already made it clear that Italy will not change its policy on the issue for the time being.
Currently, 152 countries including India, France, Britain, Canada, Australia and Saudi Arabia, have recognized Palestine as an independent nation. Approximately 78 percent of the United Nations' total member states have acknowledged Palestine's sovereignty. India recognized Palestine in 1988. However, some major countries, including Israel, the United States, Italy and Japan, still refuse to grant Palestine the status of an independent nation. This issue has sparked political tension and debate globally.