European Parliament Resolution on Palestine Deepens Divisions in Italy
On Thursday, the European Parliament passed a resolution calling on EU member states to recognize Palestine, highlighting significant divisions within Italy’s political landscape, reports 24brussels.
The governing coalition led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni exhibited internal disunity during the vote, with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani’s Forza Italia supporting the motion, Matteo Salvini’s Lega opposing it, and Meloni’s Brothers of Italy choosing to abstain.
The opposition parties also displayed contrasting positions. The 5-Star Movement criticized the resolution as “very weak.” MEP Gaetano Pedullà condemned the last-minute removal of a Socialist amendment that referenced the genocide in Gaza, describing it as a betrayal to the more than 60,000 civilian victims. In contrast, the centre-left Democratic Party cast their votes in favor of the resolution.
Brothers of Italy contended that the resolution lacked sufficient balance. While the party officially endorses a two-state solution, it asserts that Palestine’s recognition should be contingent upon Israel’s agreement. Forza Italia echoed similar concerns even while voting in support of the motion.
The Lega party maintained a staunchly pro-Israel stance, with Salvini aligning himself with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s assertion that recognizing Palestine would serve as a “gift to Hamas.”
In the broader European context, the resolution reflects ongoing tensions within the bloc regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly amid heightened violence in Gaza. While some EU members express support for diplomatic recognition of Palestine, others remain firmly aligned with Israel’s government, leading to debates that intersect with issues of international law and human rights.
As the situation develops, the implications for Italy’s foreign policy and its role within the EU framework will continue to emerge, particularly as member states navigate their own national interests against a backdrop of shifting geopolitical dynamics.
