"Mass protests and strikes for Gaza bring Italy to a standstill"

Roads and ports were blocked and schools closed after unions called for general strike over Israel’s war on Gaza.

Sweeping strikes and nationwide protests seized parts of Italy on Friday as pressure mounts on Giorgia Meloni’s government to take a stronger stand against Israel over its war in Gaza.

Trade unionists, students, activist groups and families blocked highways and transport hubs in cities across the country, carrying Palestinian flags and banners calling on Israel to “stop the occupation.” Over 2 million people attended the protests, Italy’s biggest union, CGIL, said.

Unions called for a general strike on Thursday after Israel intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, a fleet of 41 boats attempting to carry humanitarian aid to Gaza, detaining 20 Italian activists.

Demonstrators said Italy’s government did not do enough to defend the crews on the flotilla. They are calling on the government to cut military ties with Israel, recognize a Palestinian state and cut arms spending. [...]

Transport workers, healthcare workers and teachers went on strike, leading to cancelled trains and closed schools, while students occupied universities. In Livorno, dockworkers blocked gates to the port, causing long lines of motionless trucks. [...]

“This government doesn’t condemn what is happening in Gaza,” Clara, a 24-year-old protestor from Vicenza, told POLITICO. “It sends arms to support a genocide while there is no money for health, education and wages.”

An eight-year-old child held a sign reading “Children of Gaza, we are with you, I too am Global Sumud Flotilla.” 

Maurizio Landini, the leader of CGIL, said the protesters were “bringing a message of solidarity and fraternity to the entire world,” adding that “a serious government should have the humility to listen to the people.”