Rome- Thousands of Italians joined nationwide protests on Monday in solidarity with Palestinians, leading to violent clashes in several cities. The demonstrations, organized by trade unions, spread to nearly 80 towns and cities, with the largest turnouts in Milan and Rome.

In Milan, tensions escalated near the central station where protesters clashed with police, leaving about 60 officers injured. A group of masked protesters threw stones, smoke bombs, and metal objects, prompting police to respond with water cannons and tear gas. Similar unrest was reported in Bologna, where demonstrators blocked the city’s main ring road.

The strike brought together teachers, dockworkers, and students, disrupting public transport and operations at major ports in Livorno and Genoa. A metro line in Milan was shut down, and university students in Turin and Bologna blocked lecture halls. Protesters carried banners with slogans such as “Free Palestine” and “Let’s block everything.”

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence in Milan as “shameful,” saying it undermined the cause of Gaza and only harmed Italian citizens. Milan’s mayor, Giuseppe Sala, also criticized the vandalism as unjustifiable.

The unrest came as debates over Palestinian statehood deepened in Europe. France formally recognized a Palestinian state on Monday, following similar moves by the UK, Canada, portugal and Australia. President Emmanuel Macron called the decision a “necessity,” supported by Belgium, Malta, and Luxembourg. Other European nations, including Spain and Norway, had already taken the step last year.

Italy’s government, however, has resisted recognition, calling it “counter-productive.” Opposition leader Elly Schlein accused Meloni of avoiding serious debate on Israel, criticizing her for giving lighthearted interviews instead of addressing parliament.

European leaders have toughened their tone toward Israel’s offensive in Gaza. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently urged an end to the “horrific events” in the enclave. While Germany remains a close ally of Israel, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has grown more critical of its actions, though Berlin insists Palestinian statehood recognition should come only at the end of a peace process.