Massive demonstrations in Italy against the Gaza blockade and a strike paralyzing transportation

Various Italian cities witnessed massive demonstrations yesterday, Friday, with over 200,000 participants, in response to a call from major labor unions, in solidarity with the "Global Resilience Fleet" that was carrying humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, and condemning the stance of the Italian government led by Giorgia Meloni regarding the Israeli blockade imposed on the region.

The widespread popular movement was accompanied by a sudden general strike, which disrupted transportation across the country, amid government warnings that about one million Italians might face difficulties using trains, despite the provision of minimum services.

Maurizio Landini, the Secretary General of the Italian General Confederation of Labor, announced via "Radio Anch'io" on Friday morning that "the squares will be crowded," referring to the expected scale of public mobilization.

In the capital, Rome, the demonstrations began at the main train station, gathering at least 80,000 participants according to the police, causing significant delays in train services and the cancellation of some trains.

Meanwhile, Milan saw the participation of over 80,000 demonstrators, according to the police as well, who raised Palestinian flags and marched behind a banner that read: "Free Palestine, stop the war machine."

In other cities like Turin and Genoa, around 50,000 and 40,000 participated respectively, while 10,000 protesters blocked the port of Naples, in an unprecedented escalation since the beginning of the recent war on Gaza.

This angry mobilization comes after Israeli forces intercepted the last ship in the "Global Resilience Fleet" heading to Gaza, which was carrying humanitarian aid to the besieged region, igniting a wave of solidarity protests, not only in Italy but also in European and global cities, including Mexico.

The organizing committee of the fleet announced yesterday, Friday, that the Israeli army arrested about 500 activists over the past two days and expelled four Italian deputies and parliamentarians who were on board the ships, making them the first officially expelled participants in the campaign.

From the midst of the demonstrations, Giordano Fioramonti, a 19-year-old high school student, spoke to "FBT TV", saying:

"We are in the street today to express our rejection. What is happening in Gaza is an ongoing massacre, and we want to say that we will not remain silent."

The student painted the Palestinian flag on his face and wrote the phrase "Freedom for Gaza," adding:

"This is a civic duty, to show our discontent with our government and the world's silence, and to declare our full support for Palestine."

In major ports and cities like Livorno, Bologna, and Milan, commercial activity was disrupted and parts of the ring roads were closed, while train stations in Perugia and Cagliari witnessed sit-ins and protests organized by demonstrators.

For her part, Elly Schlein, the leader of the leftist opposition participating in the Rome march, described this crowd as "extraordinary," adding:

"This is the real response to the unacceptable threats from Meloni and Salvini against the right to strike. What the fleet did is what European governments should do: break the blockade imposed on Gaza and prevent the widespread famine there."

Schlein emphasized the need to reconsider trade agreements with Israel, considering that complicity in the continuation of the blockade is "a disgrace to the European Union."

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who described the fleet as "irresponsible," faces increasing opposition within the country to her pro-Israel policy and her refusal to take any independent stance from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Italian researcher Giuliano Ferucci, from the heart of the demonstration in Rome, sent a direct message to Meloni, saying:

"Perhaps it is time for you to stop acting like a faction leader and finally become a Prime Minister for all Italians."

The massive demonstrations in Italy reflect the rising popular solidarity with Gaza and the rejection of the blockade, highlighting the increasing tension between the street and the government over policies supporting Israel.