Tens of thousands rally as anger grows over Israel’s offensive and Italy’s silence
A massive wave of anti-war protests swept across Italy on Monday, bringing widespread disruption as tens of thousands of people demonstrated against Israel’s ongoing military offensive in Gaza. Organized by grassroots unions and activist groups, the protests led to the closure of schools, the halting of trains, and the blocking of key ports and roads in more than 75 cities and towns.
From Milan to Palermo, Italians marched in one of Europe’s largest coordinated demonstrations in solidarity with Palestinians. The protest was part of a 24-hour general strike, organized in response to what participants called the “inertia” of the Italian and European governments in addressing the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
In Genoa and Livorno, dock workers blocked shipments, demanding an end to the alleged use of Italian ports for arms transfers to Israel. In Rome, over 20,000 people gathered at Termini Station waving Palestinian flags and chanting “Free Palestine.”
Protesters demand action as government stays cautious
While several Western countries, including the UK, Australia, Portugal, and Canada, have recently recognized Palestinian statehood, Italy has declined to join. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni argued earlier that recognizing a state that “doesn’t exist” could be counterproductive and give a false impression that the crisis is resolved.
Demonstrators, however, are demanding urgent action. Protesters called on the government to end all commercial and military ties with Israel, and backed the Global Sumud Flotilla, an international effort to break Israel’s naval blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Violence broke out in Milan, where protesters clashed with police near the city’s central station. Dozens threw smoke bombs, stones, and bottles. Police used pepper spray and made multiple arrests, while in Bologna, officers deployed water cannons. Reports say over 60 police officers were injured and at least 10 protesters were detained.
Despite the unrest, the protestors remained defiant. “We are not antisemitic,” said a political science student named Alessandra in Rome. “We are simply against genocide, and we demand accountability.”
Italian officials dismiss protests, but public outrage grows
Meloni condemned the violence, saying on social media: “Violence and destruction have nothing to do with solidarity.” Transport Minister Matteo Salvini dismissed the general strike as a “political move by far-left unionists” and praised workers who ignored the call to protest.
Meanwhile, public anger continues to mount over Italy’s reluctance to take a strong stand. Protesters cited widespread reports of children killed, hospitals destroyed, and tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians dead in Gaza over the past 23 months. A former Israeli army commander recently claimed that more than 200,000 Palestinians have been killed or injured during the conflict.
For many in Italy, the demonstrations signal a turning point. “Italy must come to a standstill today,” said Federica Casino, a protester in Rome. “We cannot remain silent any longer.”
