Europe this week | Dialogue between Iranian and Spanish thinkers on Islam and Christianity; France on the verge of recognizing Palestine

Pars Today - The first religious dialogue of the Center for Interfaith Dialogue, attended by the head of Iran’s Islamic Culture and Communications Organization, is being held in Madrid.

The first religious dialogue between the Center for Interfaith Dialogue and Cultures and Spanish Catholic thinkers, with the participation of the head of Iran’s Islamic Culture and Communications Organization, will take place today and tomorrow in Madrid, Spain. 

According to Pars Today, Mohammad Mahdi Imanipour,  and his delegation are attending at the invitation of the Spanish Catholic Bishops’ Conference. This dialogue, themed “Divine Mercy: The Bond Between Islam and Christianity,” will cover subtopics including “The Causes and Characteristics of God’s Vast Mercy in Islam and Christianity,” “The Institution of Family in Islam and Catholic Christianity and Its Relation to Divine Mercy,” and “Interfaith Dialogue as a Foundation for Divine Mercy.”

France on the verge of officially recognizing Palestine


Reuters reports that French President Emmanuel Macron faces significant challenges due to Zionist lobbying in recognizing an independent Palestinian state. Reuters added that Macron is inclined toward recognizing a sovereign Palestinian state, but experts and diplomats suggest this move may be untimely and ineffective in pressuring the regime of Israel toward a peace agreement with Palestinians. 

According to Reuters, French officials are evaluating this step ahead of a UN conference, co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia from June 17-20, 2025, which aims to outline parameters for a roadmap to establish an independent Palestinian state.

Italy calls for immediate halt to Israeli attacks on Gaza


Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, speaking in parliament on Wednesday, demanded an immediate end to Israel’s bombing of Gaza, the resumption of humanitarian aid, and respect for international human rights laws. 

Warning against any forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, Tajani stated that Israel’s ongoing attacks have become unacceptable and must stop immediately. Amid growing Western criticism, Tajani acknowledged Israel’s claim of legitimate defense against Hamas following the Al-Aqsa Storm operation but emphasized that the attacks have taken on an “unacceptable, horrific, and senseless” form, urging Israel to halt them swiftly.

Pope condemns killing of Palestinian children, calls for Gaza ceasefire


Pope Leo, the leader of the world’s Catholics, condemned the killing of Palestinian children and called for a ceasefire in Gaza. Today, he urged both Israel and Hamas to fully respect international humanitarian laws and requested the implementation of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Norwegian parliament decision on sanctioning companies active in occupied Palestinian territories


Norway’s parliamentary finance committee has decided, with a strong majority, to exclude only companies directly involved in violating international agreements from investments by the country’s $1.8 trillion sovereign wealth fund. 

According to a source, the committee will exclude only those companies directly contributing to breaches of international law, not those merely providing products or services in Occupied Territories.

MG/UR