Rome (Reuters/Agencies): Italy witnessed one of its largest nationwide demonstrations as nearly 2 million people joined a general strike and protests organized by the country’s biggest labor union, CGIL, condemning Israel’s seizure of the “Global Samoud Flotilla” and the ongoing bombardment of Gaza.
Protesters flooded major cities, chanting “Free Palestine, Stop the War, Down with Israeli Aggression.”
In Rome, police estimated around 80,000 protesters, while organizers claimed over 300,000 participated. Similar scenes unfolded in Milan, where 80,000 to 100,000 people rallied, and in Turin, Genoa, Naples, Bologna, and Florence, bringing parts of Italy to a standstill.
Protesters blocked roads, railways, and even airport runways — including Pisa Airport, where flights were temporarily suspended after demonstrators entered the runway.
The protests were sparked by Israel’s seizure of 43 aid ships and the detention of 500 activists from the Global Samoud Flotilla earlier this week. Among those detained were 40 Italians, four of whom were later deported.
Israel alleged the flotilla had links to Hamas, but protesters argued it was a purely humanitarian effort to break Gaza’s brutal blockade.
Italian opposition leader Elly Schlein of the Democratic Party condemned her government’s silence, saying:
“The flotilla was doing what Europe should have done — breaking the siege and delivering aid to Gaza.”
She urged Italy to impose an arms embargo on Israel and formally recognize Palestine, following Spain’s lead.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had earlier called the flotilla “dangerous and irresponsible,” a statement that only intensified public anger.
Meanwhile, Gaza continues to face catastrophic humanitarian conditions — thousands killed, millions displaced, and severe shortages of food and medicine. Human rights groups have condemned Israel’s siege as collective punishment against the two million Palestinians trapped in Gaza.
