Italy's prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, who has come under fire from political opponents for her position on Gaza, condemned the scenes in Milan as shameful. Although she has become increasingly critical of Israel's offensive in Gaza, Meloni has not gone as far as France in deciding to formally recognise a Palestinian state. Monday's strike action brought together teachers, dockworkers and students in up to 80 towns and cities around the country. Clashes erupted outside Milan central station after protesters called for a ceasefire in Gaza and burned a US flag. Macron's high-profile move to recognise a Palestinian state later on Monday at the United Nations met with criticism from some of his political opponents.