Massive nationwide strike sweeps Italy in solidarity with Gaza

Rome— Italy was brought to a standstill on Monday as tens of thousands of workers, students, and activists took to the streets in over 70 cities, staging a nationwide general strike in solidarity with the people of Gaza.

From Rome to Milan, Bologna to Genoa, Livorno to Naples, Turin to Florence, Bari to Palermo, and dozens more citi  es, demonstrators demanded an immediate end to what they describe as Israel’s “genocide” in Gaza. The action was coordinated by several grassroots unions, including USB, CUB, ADL, and SGB, and affected both the public and private sectors.

Transport and Port Disruptions
The strike caused widespread travel chaos, with regional and long-distance trains delayed or canceled, metro services interrupted, and highways blocked by protesters in Bologna and elsewhere. Dockworkers in Genoa and Livorno staged blockades at major ports, preventing access roads and calling for a halt to Italy’s role in arms and supply shipments to Israel.

Protests and Clashes
In Rome, more than 20,000 demonstrators filled the area around Termini station. Milan saw some of the most intense clashes, with protesters attempting to storm the central station; police responded with tear gas and pepper spray. Dozens of officers were reported injured, and at least 10 protesters were arrested. In Bologna, sit-ins and student occupations disrupted university lectures, while healthcare and education workers joined the strike nationwide.

Demands and Messages
Protesters are urging the Italian government to:

• End arms exports and military cooperation with Israel.

• Recognize the State of Palestine.

• Impose sanctions on Israel.

• Support humanitarian efforts, including the Global Sumud Flotilla aiming to deliver aid to Gaza.

Government Response
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned acts of vandalism and violence, insisting that destruction “does not help Gaza.” Her government, however, has so far resisted calls to recognize Palestine or to impose sanctions, citing the need for stability in diplomatic and trade relations.

A Historic Mobilization
Observers describe the strike as one of the largest coordinated labor actions in recent Italian history focused on foreign policy rather than domestic economic issues. Analysts say the breadth of the protests reflects growing frustration among Italians over the humanitarian toll in Gaza — with tens of thousands killed, millions displaced, and international aid severely restricted.

The mobilization also adds pressure on the European Union, where momentum is building as several member states move toward recognizing Palestinian statehood.