Italy gripped by nationwide strike in solidarity with Palestine photo

A nationwide strike is underway in Italy, led by the country’s largest labour organisation, the General Confederation of Italian Labour (CGIL), in a show of support for Palestine and the Global Sumud flotilla. 

The flotilla's members—activists from various countries—were recently detained by Israeli authorities while attempting to break the naval blockade of Gaza.

According to Italian media, the strike has disrupted train and commuter rail services, with numerous cancellations and delays reported. Port workers have also joined the strike, most notably at the Port of Livorno, where blocked access has led to long queues of trucks.

Demonstrations have taken place in several major cities, including Rome, Milan, Naples, and Turin, where crowds gathered waving Palestinian flags and banners from supporting organisations. Despite the widespread turnout, Italy’s regulatory body has declared the strike illegal, citing a recent similar action. The Italian government is now weighing punitive measures against those involved.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni dismissed the protest, characterising it as nothing more than “a desire to extend the weekend.”

The demonstrations have now entered their third consecutive day. In Bologna and Turin, tensions escalated, with clashes reported between protesters and police, alongside incidents of vandalism. In Turin, demonstrators reportedly stormed the venue of High Tech Week, damaging large screens and exhibition stands.

By Tamilla Hasanova