Mass Protests and Strikes Sweep Italy Over Gaza Conflict

Nationwide Day of Action

Tens of thousands of people demonstrated across Italy on Monday in a nationwide campaign to “denounce the genocide in Gaza.” The coordinated protests included transport strikes, blocked ports, and mass gatherings in major cities.

The demonstrations coincided with preparations at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where France and several other countries pushed for recognition of a Palestinian state. The move followed similar recognition announced a day earlier by the UK, Australia, and Canada.

Government Stance

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing government has firmly stated it will not recognise a Palestinian state for now. While officials confirmed Italy has not sold weapons to Israel since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, the government remains hesitant to back EU trade sanctions against Israel.

Protests in Rome and Beyond

In Rome, police estimated around 20,000 people gathered outside the Termini train station. Many were students waving Palestinian flags and chanting “Free Palestine.” Some had marched past the Colosseum, carrying a large banner reading: “Against Genocide. Let’s block everything.”

Seventeen-year-old Michelangelo told AFP he joined to support “a population that is being exterminated.” Another protester, 18-year-old Francesca Tecchia, said she was demonstrating for the first time because “what is happening in Gaza is too important.”

Federica Casino, a 52-year-old worker, said she joined students to protest “for Gaza’s dead children and destroyed hospitals.” She added, “Italy talks but does nothing.”

Strikes and Clashes

In Milan, organisers claimed 50,000 people turned out. Protesters burned a US flag and clashed with riot police at Centrale station during a national strike led by the USB union, which demanded Italy sever ties with Israel.

More than 10,000 people marched in Bologna, while large crowds also gathered in Turin, Florence, Naples, and Sicily. In Genoa and Livorno, dock workers blocked port entrances, disrupting trade routes.

Public transport across the country faced disruptions. Rome’s buses and metro services were reduced, and national train operators warned of cancellations and delays.

Public Opinion

A survey published by La Stampa found that 64 percent of Italians consider the humanitarian crisis in Gaza “very serious.” Almost 41 percent said Italy should recognise a Palestinian state, a view that contrasts sharply with the government’s current position.
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