Milan Takes to the Streets in Solidarity with Palestine
On the evening of Wednesday, October 1, thousands gathered in Milan to protest the Israeli forces’ interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla. The demonstration began around 9:30 p.m. in Piazza della Scala, a space that pro-Palestine supporters later renamed “Piazza Gaza.” From there, a crowd of protesters moved through the city center, swelling as it pressed toward one of Milan’s busiest hubs, the Cadorna railway station.
From the Square to the Rails
Participants carried Palestinian flags and banners as they advanced through streets that were gradually closed to traffic by local authorities. The march continued to the outskirts of central Milan, where the group halted briefly and then redirected toward Cadorna. Around 11 p.m., a contingent of activists descended onto the tracks and occupied the platform for roughly 30 minutes. By the end of the night, the crowd had reconverged in Piazza Duomo, marking a peaceful close to the evening’s action.
Scale and Spirit of the Protest
Officials estimated the turnout at about 5,000 people by the time the march reached its peak near Cairoli, a dramatic escalation from the early counts in the thousands. Slogans like “Block everything. Against genocide, for Palestine,” and “Palestine free” echoed through the streets, signaling a coherent message of solidarity with Palestinians and opposition to the flotilla’s interception.
No Violence, but a Visible Police Presence
Unlike some past demonstrations, Wednesday’s protest proceeded without incidents of violence. Police vans and anti-riot units were present in the area as the march wound through central Milan, with several routes closed to ensure public safety. The orderly nature of the event stood in contrast to earlier confrontations, notably the demonstrations of September 22 in Centrale, which had devolved into hours-long clashes. The night ended with protesters dispersing from Cadorna and moving toward other central squares.
Social Media and Organizing Lines
The evening’s mobilization was amplified through social networks and union channels. A pre-announced 6:00 p.m. sit-in near the water could have turned into a static demonstration had the flotilla been stopped; that plan did not materialize. After the flotilla attack, a message circulated on the USB union channels framing it as a call to action: a “general strike” on October 3 in response to what organizers described as an assault on international humanitarian law. The Lambretta social center also helped relay the call, urging continued mobilization with slogans of Palestinian solidarity.
Transit Disruptions and Public Transport Adjustments
Public transit authorities reacted to the evening’s activity with service changes. AT M modified tram and metro operations: tram 1 ran only between Certosa FS and Cairoli, bypassing Centrale FS; Metro lines M1 and M2 announced temporary detours, with Cadorna marked as off-limits by security orders. Authorities cited the need to safeguard critical infrastructure and maintain order as the reason for station closures and timetable adjustments.
Authorities’ Stance and Ongoing Monitoring
Following the events, Italy’s Interior Minister, Matteo Piantedosi, convened senior officials from multiple cities—including Rome, Milan, Turin, Florence, and Bologna—to assess security plans and coordinate a measured response. The goal, according to officials, was to prevent disorder while maintaining dialogue with organizers to isolate potential violence and to secure sensitive sites, including Israeli and Jewish facilities, during ongoing demonstrations.
What’s Next?
With demonstrations continuing to unfold in Italian cities and trade unions signaling targeted actions, the immediate next steps include mobilizations planned for Friday, October 3. Organizers frame these actions as a stand for Palestinian rights and international law, while authorities aim to balance free assembly with public safety. The Milan march of October 1 underscored a broader, ongoing debate about humanitarian corridors, maritime relief efforts, and the role of civil society in international crises.
