Italian lawmakers have come out in support of a non-binding resolution urging the government to recognise Palestine as a state.
According to News 24, Italy's Chamber of Deputies voted by 300 to 45 to pass the motion presented by Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's Democratic Party.
The move comes amid widespread criticism of Israel by European countries following the collapse of the recent US-sponsored talks last April.
Palestine has been recognized as a state by most developing countries.
However, most Western European governments agree with the Israeli and US position that Palestine can attain the status of an independent state after negotiations with Israel.