Workers across Italy participated in a widespread strike on Friday, motivated not by domestic labor issues, but by a powerful show of solidarity with the Palestinian people in Gaza. The demonstrations saw significant turnouts in numerous cities, reflecting a growing wave of protest throughout Europe against Israel’s military actions and blockade of the Gaza Strip.
Official figures from Italy’s Interior Ministry indicate that approximately 400,000 people participated across 29 locations, though trade union estimates suggest the actual number was much higher. The protests were reignited this week following the Israeli military’s interception of several aid boats, including a flotilla carrying European politicians and activists, which was attempting to deliver essential food and medical supplies to Gaza. Reports confirm that famine conditions are present in Gaza City and its surrounding areas.
While Israel described the flotilla as a publicity stunt, over 40 Italians were among those detained. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized the strike, suggesting it would not aid the Palestinian cause and would inconvenience the public, even implying it was a ploy for a long weekend by the unions. Her deputy, Matteo Salvini, deemed the strike illegal due to insufficient notice and threatened sanctions.
Despite government objections, large crowds took to the streets, carrying banners with messages such as “Stop the Massacre” and “Hands off the Flotilla!”. In Rome, the main march remained peaceful, but elsewhere, including Milan and Bologna, clashes occurred, with protesters reportedly throwing stones at police, leading to the use of tear gas. In Pisa, demonstrators briefly occupied the airport runway, causing flight disruptions, while dockworkers in Naples blockaded the port, and protesters in Turin moved barriers onto railway lines.
Opposition leader Elly Schlein of the Democratic Party voiced strong criticism of the Italian government’s stance, stating that Italy should be better than its current leaders and that the government had failed to condemn alleged Israeli actions in Gaza. She expressed shame that Italy had not joined other nations in recognizing Palestinian statehood. Experts note that the events in Gaza have increased pressure on Prime Minister Meloni, potentially shifting her government’s position to be more critical of Israel, partly due to significant public outcry, particularly from Catholic communities.
The strikes and protests are seen by some as a resurgence of Italy’s left-wing movements, demonstrating a growing militancy and public engagement that has put the government under considerable pressure.
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