Macron and London lead historic shift as tens of thousands rally across Europe, defying bans and demanding justice for Palestinians
Europe witnessed a wave of political and public defiance on Monday as the Palestinian cause surged to the centre of international debate. France and the United Kingdom both formally recognised the State of Palestine in landmark moves that have sparked celebrations among supporters, anger in Israel, and fresh momentum for a two-state solution. Simultaneously, tens of thousands of demonstrators poured into the streets of Italy to denounce what they called “genocide” in Gaza, blocking ports, railways, and highways in one of the largest coordinated actions seen in the country in years.
In Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron declared recognition of a Palestinian state during a UN summit, describing the decision as an urgent step toward preventing further catastrophe. “The time for peace has come, as we are just moments away from no longer being able to seize it,” Macron said in his address. His announcement triggered acts of solidarity across the country, with Palestinian flags raised above at least 86 town halls despite direct warnings from the interior ministry not to do so. Major cities, including Lyon, Nantes, Rennes, and Besancon, joined the defiant gesture, and even in Paris, left-wing councillors briefly unfurled the Palestinian flag at city hall. The Eiffel Tower itself became a symbol of celebration as both the Palestinian and Israeli flags, alongside peace imagery of a dove and olive branch, were projected onto its iconic structure.
France’s recognition carried particular weight given the country’s diverse population, home to Western Europe’s largest Jewish community of half a million and a significant Muslim population sympathetic to Palestinians in Gaza. Nathalie Appere, the Socialist mayor of Rennes, defended her city’s decision to fly the Palestinian flag, declaring, “Our responsibility is to reject silence and to do everything in our power, here and now, to put an end to the horror.”
Across the Channel, London too became a historical stage. Just a day after the UK government announced recognition of Palestine, a flag-raising ceremony was held outside the Palestinian mission in Hammersmith, West London. Husam Zomlot, head of the mission, hailed the move as “long overdue” and described it as an acknowledgement of “a historic injustice” amid what he called “unimaginable suffering” in Gaza. Holding a plaque reading “Embassy of the State of Palestine,” Zomlot vowed it would soon be installed once legal processes were completed. He reminded his audience of Britain’s pivotal role in Middle Eastern history, referencing the 1917 Balfour Declaration that paved the way for Israel’s establishment in 1948.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper underscored the diplomatic implications of the recognition, confirming that the Palestinian Authority could now establish an official embassy and appoint an ambassador. “There will be a series of different stages and processes to go through,” she said, but stressed that the ultimate goal remained advancing toward a two-state solution. Reflecting the shift, Britain’s foreign ministry updated its travel advice pages, replacing the phrase “Occupied Palestinian Territories” with simply “Palestine.”
While flags rose in Paris and London, Italy was gripped by anger and unrest. Tens of thousands marched in Rome, Milan, Bologna, Turin, Florence, Naples, Sicily, and beyond in a coordinated day of action aimed at “denouncing the genocide in Gaza.” In Rome, police reported 20,000 gathered outside Termini station, many of them students chanting “Free Palestine!” and carrying banners reading “Against Genocide. Let’s block everything.” In Milan, organisers claimed 50,000 demonstrators took part, some of whom clashed with riot police at the central station. Tear gas, projectiles, and smashed windows marked chaotic scenes as US flags were burned and anger boiled over.
The unrest extended across the north and south of the country. In Bologna, more than 10,000 took to the streets, with some protesters blocking the motorway before being dispersed by water cannons. Dock workers in Genoa and Livorno blockaded ports, while a 24-hour national strike called by the USB union disrupted local transport and delayed trains across the country. Rome’s metro system and bus services were severely affected, while national rail operators warned of widespread cancellations.
Among the demonstrators were both students and workers who described their participation as a moral duty. “I am here to support a population that is being exterminated,” said Michelangelo, a 17-year-old in Rome. First-time protester Francesca Tecchia, 18, explained her decision simply: “What is happening in Gaza is too important.” Others demanded a stronger stance from Italy’s leadership. “Italy must come to a standstill today,” declared 52-year-old worker Federica Casino, condemning the government for “talking but doing nothing.”
Italy’s hard-right government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has so far resisted recognising a Palestinian state, aligning itself closely with the United States and insisting that the time is not right for such a step. Yet its official rhetoric has increasingly criticised Israel’s “relentless assault” on Gaza, a position that appears at odds with the scale of public anger sweeping the country.
From Paris to London to Rome, the events of Monday underscored a shifting political and social landscape across Europe. With Western governments breaking long-standing taboos by recognising Palestine and citizens taking to the streets in unprecedented numbers, momentum is building around a conflict that has divided international opinion for decades. For Palestinians, the symbolism of flags raised over European capitals may be just as significant as the diplomatic recognition itself, signalling a moment when silence gave way to solidarity on the global stage.
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