Workers in Italy joined a general strike on Friday, not for better pay or conditions, but in solidarity with the people of Gaza. Large crowds took to the streets of multiple cities amid a growing wave of protest across Europe at Israel's bombardment and blockade of the Gaza Strip.
Italy's Interior Ministry says up to 400,000 protesters came out in total in 29 locations; trade unions claim the number was four times that. Anger intensified this week when the Israeli military boarded a flotilla of boats full of European politicians and activists and stopped them delivering food and medical aid to Gaza, where UN-backed experts have confirmed famine in Gaza City and its surrounding areas. Israel dismissed the flotilla as a publicity stunt. There were more than 40 Italians on board.
Italy's hard-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized the general strike, arguing that it would not advance the Palestinian cause and only hinder Italian people trying to go about their lives. She suggested the unionists just wanted a long weekend. Her deputy, Matteo Salvini, called the strike illegal, announced without sufficient notice, and threatened sanctions. Nonetheless, large numbers turned out, behind banners with slogans like Stop the Massacre and Hands off the Flotilla!.
In several cities, including Milan and Bologna, there were clashes, with protesters throwing stones at police then being sprayed with tear gas. In Pisa, a group with brightly colored flares stormed the airport runway, halting flights for a time, while in Naples dockworkers blockaded the port. In Turin, protesters pulled metal barriers onto railways. There were protests in other European cities, too, from The Hague to Madrid.
In Rome, the main march remained largely peaceful. Common sentiments echoed among participants indicated that citizens felt their government was failing to adequately respond to the dire situation in Gaza. Opposition voices criticized Prime Minister Meloni for her lack of action on this matter, asserting that Italy should recognize Palestinian statehood.
With the continued presence of the protests and the strikes, the Italian government faces increasing pressure to reconsider its stance on the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, amidst a backdrop of burgeoning public dissent and calls for justice.
Italy's Interior Ministry says up to 400,000 protesters came out in total in 29 locations; trade unions claim the number was four times that. Anger intensified this week when the Israeli military boarded a flotilla of boats full of European politicians and activists and stopped them delivering food and medical aid to Gaza, where UN-backed experts have confirmed famine in Gaza City and its surrounding areas. Israel dismissed the flotilla as a publicity stunt. There were more than 40 Italians on board.
Italy's hard-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized the general strike, arguing that it would not advance the Palestinian cause and only hinder Italian people trying to go about their lives. She suggested the unionists just wanted a long weekend. Her deputy, Matteo Salvini, called the strike illegal, announced without sufficient notice, and threatened sanctions. Nonetheless, large numbers turned out, behind banners with slogans like Stop the Massacre and Hands off the Flotilla!.
In several cities, including Milan and Bologna, there were clashes, with protesters throwing stones at police then being sprayed with tear gas. In Pisa, a group with brightly colored flares stormed the airport runway, halting flights for a time, while in Naples dockworkers blockaded the port. In Turin, protesters pulled metal barriers onto railways. There were protests in other European cities, too, from The Hague to Madrid.
In Rome, the main march remained largely peaceful. Common sentiments echoed among participants indicated that citizens felt their government was failing to adequately respond to the dire situation in Gaza. Opposition voices criticized Prime Minister Meloni for her lack of action on this matter, asserting that Italy should recognize Palestinian statehood.
With the continued presence of the protests and the strikes, the Italian government faces increasing pressure to reconsider its stance on the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, amidst a backdrop of burgeoning public dissent and calls for justice.
