The debate on the recognition of a Palestinian state is gaining momentum in Europe, but Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is dampening expectations. Although she supports the idea of an independent Palestine, she rejects premature recognition.
"I believe that recognizing the state of Palestine without this state existing can even be counterproductive to the goal," Meloni told "Repubblica". Her stance contrasts with the recent announcement by French President Emmanuel Macron. He reaffirmed his country's intention to recognize Palestine and called on Germany and the UK to take joint action to end the "humanitarian catastrophe" in Gaza.
Meloni argues that recognition on paper, when in fact the state does not exist, risks making the problem appear to be solved when it is not. "What I have said is the reason why, although I am very much in favor of the state of Palestine, I do not favor its recognition before a process to establish it," Meloni said. In doing so, she would also be inviting Israel's wrath and Donald Trump's opposition.
Meanwhile, a joint appeal by the UK, France and Germany calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. However, Macron remains isolated on the issue of recognizing Palestine, as Germany and the UK are not following his lead.
Former US President Donald Trump also commented on Macron's announcement, dismissing it as irrelevant: "He's a good person, I like him, he's a team player, but the good thing is that what he says doesn't matter."
