Italy Sees Mass Protests, General Strike Over Gaza War

Large-scale protests and a nationwide general strike swept across Italy on Friday, as public anger mounted over perceived silence on Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza and the government’s handling of recent tensions involving Italian nationals.

According to the country’s largest labor federation, over two million people took part in marches and work stoppages across major Italian cities, including Rome, Milan, Turin, Bologna, and Naples, waving Palestinian flags and chanting calls for an end to the occupation.

The demonstrations, organized by trade unions and student groups, were sparked by Israel’s recent interception of the “Global Solidarity Flotilla”, a convoy of 41 boats carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, during which 20 Italian activists were detained.

The protests caused widespread disruption to transportation, education, and public services. Workers in the transportation, health, and education sectors joined the strike, resulting in the cancellation of train services, school closures, and delays at ports.

In Florence, Genoa, Perugia, and Cagliari, demonstrators occupied railway tracks, while protesters blocked highways in Pescara, Trento, Bologna, Milan, and Turin. Clashes between riot police and demonstrators were reported in Turin and Naples, as security forces moved to clear main roads and city squares.

In the port city of Livorno, dockworkers sealed off gates, halting truck traffic and creating long lines at the port entrance.

Transport Minister Matteo Salvini condemned the strike as “illegal,” warning of potential sanctions against unions and participants.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized the protests, saying that “this chaos will not help the Palestinians but will only cause trouble for Italians,” accusing organizers of “wanting an early weekend.”

Meanwhile, demonstrators accused the government of failing to defend Italian citizens detained by Israeli authorities and demanded that Italy suspend military cooperation with Israel, recognize the State of Palestine, and cut defense spending.