Nationwide Strikes in Italy Sparked by Solidarity with Gaza

Fri Oct 17 2025 04:07:05 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Massive protests and strikes across Italy support Palestinians amid escalating violence in Gaza. Activists and union workers call for action as the government faces criticism over its response.

On Friday, a general strike in Italy brought out crowds in support of Palestinians affected by the ongoing Gaza conflict. Protesters condemned the Israeli bombardment and blockade, particularly in response to recent military actions against an aid flotilla. Despite criticism from the government, which deemed the strike illegal, thousands participated, echoing calls for humanitarian intervention and solidarity with Gaza.

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 protests across Europe over Israel's bombardment and blockade of the Gaza Strip.

Italy's Interior Ministry reports that up to 400,000 protesters came out in total across 29 locations, while trade unions claim the number was indeed four times that. Anger intensified this week when the Israeli military boarded a flotilla of boats filled with European politicians and activists attempting to deliver food and medical aid to Gaza, where UN-backed experts have confirmed a famine.

Israel dismissed the flotilla as a publicity stunt; there were over 40 Italians on board. Italy's hard-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized the general strike, arguing it would not advance the Palestinian cause and instead hinder Italian citizens. Her deputy, Matteo Salvini, labeled the strike illegal, citing insufficient notice and threatening sanctions. Regardless, large numbers of protesters gathered, showcasing slogans like Stop the Massacre and Hands off the Flotilla!.

The protests escalated in cities like Milan and Bologna, where clashes occurred between stone-throwing demonstrators and police using tear gas. In Pisa, protestors briefly halted airport operations while dockworkers in Naples blockaded the port. Similar demonstrations occurred in cities across Europe.

In Rome, the atmosphere was peaceful despite the large turnout. Participants voiced concerns that Italian leaders were not taking sufficient action in response to the Gaza situation. Meanwhile, a makeshift camp was established near Termini train station, branded Piazza Gaza.

Opposition leader Elly Schlein criticized the government during the march, emphasizing that Meloni had failed to address what she termed the crimes of the Israeli government. Meloni's recent comments reflect growing public outrage in Italy, and many observers see this wave of protests as a resurgence of the country's left-wing forces.

Ultimately, as protests continued in Rome and other cities, four Italian politicians who had been detained in the Gaza flotilla were welcomed back home, while many fellow Italians remained in custody.