Milano protests after flotilla raid and Cadorna occupation
On the evening of Wednesday, October 1, Milan joined a wave of demonstrations in solidarity with Palestine following the abbordaggio of the Global Sumud Flotilla by Israeli forces. The city saw thousands take to the streets, with a peaceful buildup that culminated in a short occupation of Cadorna Station. The event began around 9:30 p.m. in Piazza della Scala, where the crowd quickly swelled as banners and Palestinian flags filled the square.
The gathering, which pro-Israeli supporters had nicknamed “Piazza Gaza,” gradually broadened as hundreds joined the march. By the time the procession reached central Milan’s route toward Cadorna, organizers estimated about 5,000 participants were present. Banners proclaimed support for Palestine, and the crowd chanted phrases including, “Block everything. Against genocide, for Palestine, to break with Israel,” while others cried, “Not a nail for Israel, Palestine free.”
What happened in Milan on October 1
The march moved through the city center under the watch of police units and anti-riot squads stationed along the route. The objective, as described by organizers, was to express opposition to the raid and to call for solidarity with Palestinian civilians. The protest had a calm complexion, with no recorded moments of violence or serious confrontation. At about 11:00 p.m., a group of activists briefly descended onto the tracks at Cadorna Station, occupying the rails for roughly 30 minutes before police allowed the area to be cleared. The demonstration then continued and wrapped up in Piazza del Duomo, after which most participants dispersed.
In the wake of the action, several nearby streets were closed by local authorities as part of traffic management for large assemblies. By contrast with a previous protest on September 22 in Centrale, which degenerated into a longer, more confrontational stand-off, Wednesday’s event remained orderly and peaceful.
The roots and timeline of the protest
The night began with a scheduled static demonstration near Piazza della Scala at 6:00 p.m., though the roll-out for this earlier part did not attract as large a turnout as later. The turnout grew as the march set off around 10:00 p.m., with participants converging from various city districts toward Cadorna. The morning after, many demonstrators and observers reflected on the scale of participation: a strong show of solidarity, yet a disciplined approach to the protest’s aims.
Social media and calls to action
The protest gained momentum through a network of online messages and grassroots groups. The union network USB posted that the raid marked a trigger for broader actions, including warnings of a general strike if Israeli actions persisted. In addition, the Lambretta social center amplified the call to mobilize, urging supporters to converge at Piazza Gaza. By Thursday, organizers and affiliated labor groups anticipated further demonstrations and a general strike to coincide with related actions across Italy.
Impact on transport and security measures
Public transit authorities reported modifications to several services in Milan. ATM announced changes to tram and metro routes, with tram 1 operating only between Certosa FS and Cairoli, and the M1 and M2 lines skipping Cadorna. Station access was restricted in line with security considerations for mass gatherings. The measures reflected a broader emphasis on preventing disorder while allowing peaceful demonstrations to proceed.
Authorities’ response
In response to rising mobilizations, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi convened prefects and chief police officers from Rome, Milan, Torino, Florence, and Bologna to coordinate a unified approach. Italian authorities emphasized dialogue with organizers to isolate potential violence, maintain public order, and safeguard sensitive sites, including Jewish and Israeli-related locations. The overarching aim was to balance the right to protest with public safety as large-scale demonstrations continued across the country.
Context and significance
The Milan protest on October 1 underscored persistent international concern over the flotilla raids and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. While the event drew thousands in a peaceful march, it also highlighted how urban centers in Europe organize to show solidarity while attempting to minimize disruption to daily life. As demonstrations continue, authorities have signaled ongoing coordination with organizers to ensure safety, while supporters maintain pressure for political solutions in the region.
