Protests Erupt in Italy: A Call for Solidarity with Gaza

Fri Oct 10 2025 14:49:26 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Thousands of Italians join a general strike in solidarity with the Palestinian people amid escalating tensions in Gaza. Demonstrations spread across major cities, highlighting widespread support for humanitarian aid efforts and criticism of government policies.

In Italy, a general strike led thousands to the streets in support of Gaza, driven by anger over Israel's military actions. Despite government criticism, protesters demanded action and raised awareness for humanitarian needs, with significant demonstrations noted in cities such as Milan, Bologna, and Rome.

Workers in Italy joined a general strike on Friday, not for better pay or conditions, but in solidarity with the people of Gaza. Large crowds took to the streets of multiple cities amid a growing wave of protest across Europe at Israel's bombardment and blockade of the Gaza Strip.

Italy's Interior Ministry says up to 400,000 protesters came out across 29 locations; trade unions claim the number was four times that. Anger intensified this week when the Israeli military boarded a flotilla of boats full of European politicians and activists, halting the delivery of food and medical aid to Gaza, where UN-backed experts have confirmed famine in Gaza City and its surrounding areas.

Israel dismissed the flotilla as a publicity stunt, stating that more than 40 Italians were on board. Italy's hard-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized the general strike, arguing that it would not advance the Palestinian cause and only hinder Italian people trying to go about their lives, suggesting that unionists just wanted a long weekend. Her deputy, Matteo Salvini, condemned the strike as illegal.

Regardless of governmental pushback, large turnouts at rallies expressed sentiments against the violence, with banners reading slogans like Stop the Massacre and Hands off the Flotilla!. Protests in cities like Milan and Bologna escalated into clashes with police, who responded with tear gas as protesters threw stones.

In Rome, a significant but peaceful march moved through the capital, where demonstrators expressed discontent at governmental inaction regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. A growing wave of protests was also reported across Europe, from The Hague to Madrid.

Political leaders have pointed out the rising dissatisfaction among the public regarding the government's stance on Gaza. Opposition leader Elly Schlein highlighted the protests as a demonstration of Italy’s better values compared to the current government’s policies. Amid this rising tension, the return of Italian politicians from the aid flotilla emphasizes the heightened awareness and activism regarding the humanitarian needs in Gaza.