Italy’s Political Balancing ActThe protests unfolded just as France, along with other Western nations, prepared to push for official recognition of a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. On Sunday, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada announced their recognition of Palestinian statehood, piling diplomatic pressure on Israel as its offensive in Gaza continues. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, closely aligned ideologically with U.S. President Donald Trump, has resisted calls for immediate recognition of a Palestinian state. The United Nations has deemed these figures credible. For protesters, Monday’s mobilization was a way to pressure Rome to align itself with the growing list of Western countries recognizing Palestinian statehood.