Following the death of Ramy Elgaml during a police chase in November 2024, protests erupted across several Italian cities, fueled by recently released video footage of the incident. These demonstrations, organized by the Italian Anti-Racist Coordination, escalated in Bologna, where protesters vandalized a synagogue with antisemitic graffiti including the slogan “Justice Free Gaza.” The attack drew strong condemnation from Israeli and Italian officials, including the Italian Prime Minister, who denounced the violence and emphasized that the tragedy should not justify such actions. Several police officers were injured during the protests.
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Amidst potential ceasefire talks in Ukraine, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto expressed Italy’s willingness to participate in a peacekeeping mission, a proposal initially suggested by French President Macron. While this stance isn’t universally supported within Italy, with the Foreign Minister deeming discussions premature, it marks the first public affirmation of support from a European nation. However, significant hurdles remain, including the lack of Russian willingness to negotiate and the ongoing conflict. Other European nations have shown less enthusiasm for contributing troops.
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Italy’s defense ministry retracted its initial claim that Israel was responsible for rocket fire striking a UNIFIL base in Lebanon, instead acknowledging Hezbollah’s culpability. The initial accusation prompted an Israeli investigation, which concluded that Hezbollah launched the rockets. These rockets were fired from within Lebanon, targeting areas where no UN peacekeepers were present. While several UNIFIL bases were hit, resulting in minimal injuries, the incident highlighted the ongoing instability in the region. The Italian minister’s original statement was a misattribution of the attack’s origin.
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An initial report from Italy’s defense minister incorrectly attributed an attack on a UN peacekeeping base in Lebanon’s Chamaa to Israeli forces. A subsequent statement clarified that the minister had incomplete information at the time of his initial claim. The ministry now asserts that the attack was instead perpetrated by Hezbollah. This revised assessment significantly alters the understanding of the incident’s perpetrators.
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Milano authorities expelled Mohammad Hannoun, a Hamas official designated by the US and Israel, following his public approval of a violent anti-Israel attack in Amsterdam. Hannoun’s expulsion, based on incitement to hatred and violence charges, stems from comments praising the Amsterdam pogrom. This action follows Hannoun’s long history of alleged Hamas fundraising and support, detailed in a recent European Leadership Network report. While the expulsion’s finality remains uncertain, it signifies a step in combating Hamas’s European network.
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Italy’s president, Sergio Mattarella, has issued a clear and firm message to Elon Musk, urging him to stop meddling in Italian politics. This comes after the world’s richest man criticized a panel of Rome judges who questioned the legality of a government initiative aimed at discouraging irregular immigration. Musk, a friend of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, had taken to Twitter to call for the judges’ dismissal, writing, “These judges need to go.”
Mattarella’s response was swift and decisive, stating that Italy is a “great democratic country” capable of taking care of itself. He emphasized that anyone, especially those in positions of power in friendly countries, must respect Italy’s sovereignty and refrain from issuing instructions.… Continue reading
As a member of the LGBTQ community, the recent passing of an anti-surrogacy law in Italy that effectively bars gay couples from becoming parents strikes a chord with me personally. Surrogacy, as a practice, has always been a controversial subject, with the potential for exploitation and abuse looming large. And while I understand the need for regulation and monitoring to prevent such situations, a complete ban on surrogacy seems like an extreme reaction.
Surrogacy, whether voluntary or compensated, has been a lifeline for many couples struggling with infertility, regardless of their sexual orientation. Banning surrogacy outright denies these individuals the opportunity to fulfill their dream of parenthood.… Continue reading
Italy reconsiders nuclear energy 35 years after shutting down last reactor
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has proposed reviving the country’s nuclear energy program, a bold move considering Italy’s last reactor was decommissioned 35 years ago. This decision comes as part of a larger effort to transition away from fossil fuels and embrace cleaner energy sources. The plan involves the introduction of legislation to support investment in small modular reactors that could be operational within a decade. The goal is to have nuclear energy contribute at least 11% to Italy’s electricity mix by 2050.
The resurgence of interest in nuclear energy is not limited to Italy; more than 20 countries worldwide are planning to expand their nuclear capacity significantly within the next few decades.… Continue reading
As I reflect on the recent statement made by the Pope urging Italians to have more babies amid record-low fertility rates, I find myself grappling with a sense of frustration and disbelief. It’s ironic to receive family planning advice from a 60+ year old virgin, especially given the economic struggles that many individuals and families face today.
The reality is that our society is plagued by wealth inequality, precarious work contracts, and exorbitant housing costs. In a world where both parents need to work full-time, have side jobs, and still struggle to make ends meet, the idea of bringing more children into the picture can seem daunting, if not impossible.… Continue reading
Hello, I’m Italian and I want to discuss the recent decision by Italy’s far-right government to submit a plan to decriminalize abuse of office. This decision has sparked tension with the EU and raised concerns about the risk of mafia infiltration in the public sector.
Let me start by expressing my frustration with the choice that Italians made to vote for conservative far-righters. It is disheartening to see that corruption is being normalized and that those in power are bending the law to their own benefit. While the real reason behind this decision is likely corruption, I doubt they would admit to it openly.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood