Thousands of Italians staged nationwide strikes and protests on Monday in solidarity with Palestinians, causing major disruption in cities including Milan, Rome, Turin and Bologna.

Clashes erupted outside Milan’s central station, where police were injured as a fringe group hurled stones and smoke bombs.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence as “shameful,” while critics accused her of failing to clarify Italy’s stance on Israel.

The unrest coincided with French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement at the UN that France would formally recognise a Palestinian state, joining the UK, Canada and Australia.

Macron described the move as a “necessity,” though Israel denounced it as a reward for Hamas, the BBC has reported.

Other European powers remain divided: Germany says recognition must come at the end of a peace process, while Italy argues it would be “counter-productive.”

EU leaders, however, have sharpened their criticism of Israel’s Gaza offensive.