ROME — 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. Rome has said it will not recognize Palestinian statehood until the hostages are released and militant group Hamas is out of government in Gaza.
Protestors on Friday obstructed major highways in Pescara, Trento, Bologna, Milan and Turin, as well as walking onto tracks and blocking trains in Florence, Genoa, Perugia and Cagliari. Riot police clashed with protesters in Turin and Naples.
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.
Transport Minister Matteo Salvini said the strike was illegal and warned strikers risked penalties both personally and as trade unions. Meloni said on Thursday that the disruption would not benefit Palestinians and would only cause trouble for Italians, accusing the strikers of wanting to “have a long weekend.”
In Rome, a procession of demonstrators marched from Termini train station, which was blocked off by police.
“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.”
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