Rome, 3 October 2025 — Italy was brought to a standstill on Friday as unions staged a nationwide strike in solidarity with the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted earlier this week by Israeli forces. The flotilla, comprising 43 vessels carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, was halted at sea, with most of the 450 activists on board arrested.
Mass Protests Across the Country
The strike, called by Italy’s largest trade unions, saw hundreds of thousands of demonstrators flood the streets in more than 100 cities. From Turin and Milan in the north to Naples and Palermo in the south, protesters blocked highways, rail lines, and ports. In Rome, police estimated 80,000 people marched, while organisers claimed as many as 300,000.
Rail services were heavily disrupted, flights delayed, and commercial traffic at key ports such as Livorno and Naples brought to a halt. In Pisa, protesters briefly entered the airport runway, forcing its closure.
Political and Social Resonance
The demonstrations reflected widespread anger at Israel’s interception of the flotilla, which activists said was carrying food and medical supplies to Gaza amid worsening humanitarian conditions. Protesters waved Palestinian flags, chanted “Free Palestine”, and accused the Italian government of failing to take a strong stance.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the strike as “irresponsible,” calling the flotilla itself a “dangerous initiative.” Opposition leaders, however, praised the demonstrations, with Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein urging Italy to recognise the State of Palestine and impose an arms embargo on Israel.
Wider Context
The strike underscores Italy’s historic pro-Palestinian sentiment, rooted in both leftist and Catholic traditions, and highlights growing European divisions over the Gaza conflict. Rights groups have warned of famine conditions in the enclave after nearly two years of war, while Israel has defended its blockade as a security necessity.
With protests expected to continue through the weekend, Italy has become one of the most visible European stages for solidarity with Gaza, amplifying calls for a stronger international response to the humanitarian crisis.
