Workers across Italy observed a nationwide strike on Friday, not for improved working conditions, but to show solidarity with the people of Gaza. Large demonstrations took place in numerous cities, reflecting a growing wave of protest throughout Europe concerning Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip.
The Italian Interior Ministry reported that approximately 400,000 people participated in protests across 29 locations, though trade unions suggest the actual number was significantly higher. The strike gained momentum this week after Israeli forces intercepted a flotilla carrying European politicians and activists who were attempting to deliver essential aid, including food and medical supplies, to Gaza, where famine has been confirmed by UN-backed experts.
While Israel dismissed the flotilla as a publicity stunt, many Italians were among the more than 40 individuals on board. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized the strike, suggesting it would not benefit the Palestinian cause and would inconvenience the public. Her deputy, Matteo Salvini, deemed the strike illegal due to insufficient notice and hinted at possible sanctions.
Despite official criticism, the protests saw significant public turnout, with participants carrying banners that read “Stop the Massacre” and “Hands off the Flotilla!”.
In several cities, including Milan and Bologna, demonstrations led to clashes, with some protesters throwing stones at police and subsequently being met with tear gas. In Pisa, protestors briefly disrupted airport operations, while dockworkers in Naples blockaded the port. In Turin, demonstrators obstructed railway lines.
Similar protests also occurred in other European cities, highlighting a widespread concern for the situation in Gaza.
In Rome, the main march remained peaceful. One participant, a university teacher named Francesca, explained her motivation: “Governments, especially the Italians, are not taking action against what is happening in Gaza.” Students at Sapienza University, where she teaches, have been staging sit-ins in various faculties, advocating for intervention to resolve the crisis.
A small tent camp, marked with a sign declaring its location as “Piazza Gaza,” was set up near Rome’s Termini railway station. Nearby, a statue of Pope John Paul II was adorned with a Palestinian scarf.
Opposition leader Elly Schlein of the Democratic Party criticized the government’s stance, stating that Italy should do more to condemn Israel’s actions and recognize Palestinian statehood. She expressed disappointment that Italy had not joined other European nations in this recognition.
Prime Minister Meloni has conditioned any Italian government recognition of Palestinian statehood on the release of all Israeli hostages and the exclusion of Hamas from governance. She also supports a peace proposal for Gaza developed by US President Donald Trump.
However, Meloni has also voiced concerns about the number of civilian casualties in Gaza, suggesting that Israel’s response to the Hamas attacks of 2023 may have exceeded the principle of proportionality.
Political scientist Professor Giovanni Orsina noted that the Gaza conflict is putting pressure on Meloni, prompting a shift towards a more critical stance on Israel’s actions. He also pointed to the significant influence of Catholic public opinion and the “awakening” of Italy’s left-wing movements, suggesting that the government is feeling the strain of widespread public dissent.
The politicians and activists who were detained while on the aid flotilla to Gaza have returned to Italy, where they were met with support from their families and colleagues. Over 40 other Italians remain in custody.
Benedetta Scuderi, a Member of the European Parliament for the Green Left Alliance, described the trip as a “huge achievement,” emphasizing that many participants felt a sense of helplessness and sought to offer hope to the people of Gaza.
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