Italy-wide General Strike for Gaza and the Flotilla
Italy is witnessing a nationwide general strike in solidarity with the Gaza Flotilla missions, spanning transport, education, and civil society. From the north to the south, protesters are calling for an end to what they describe as a humanitarian disaster in Gaza, while demanding political accountability for governments involved. The day features road closures, blocked ports, disrupted trains, and large street demonstrations in major cities.
City-by-city updates
Bologna, Emilia-Romagna
In Bologna, the A14 motorway has been shut between Borgo Panigale and San Lazzaro after demonstrators entered the adjacent tangenziale. Precautionary closures affected nearby junctions, including the Casalecchio raccordo between the A1 and A14. The result is a near-total blockage of the Bologna motorway node as crowds continued along the road network.
Milan, Lombardy
Milano experienced disruption on the Tangenziale Est, with blocks at the Lambrate exit stopping traffic in both directions. The city’s protest march extended along major ring roads and into urban streets as participants expressed solidarity with Gaza.
Naples and Salerno, Campania
In Naples, the march deviated toward the port area as organizers announced plans to “occupy the port against the ships of death,” with the tail of the crowd moving through central squares toward the port perimeter. At Salerno, clashes near the waterfront resulted in injuries on both sides amid attempts to breach police lines and disperse demonstrators, with tear gas deployed to restore order.
Turin and the Piedmont region
Turin saw the sindicalist protest split into two blocs, with organizers aiming to block multiple points across the city. The split reflect broader calls to maximize pressure by reaching a wider set of targets while keeping crowds in peaceful but determined formation.
Rome, Lazio
Rome hosted demonstrations culminating in near the Transport Ministry, where some protesters threw eggs at police barricades. The city’s activity included a display of solidarity symbols, with a mix of local unions, student groups, and international solidarity campaigns converging in Piazza della Repubblica and surrounding areas.
Genoa, Liguria
Genova saw the port area shut off with the autostrade and port authorities rerouting traffic. The city’s corteo moved through the historic center, while a separate assembly near the port held ground with blockades that affected port operations early in the day.
Bari, Puglia
In Bari, thousands joined a long anti-genocide demonstration. The procession featured prominent local figures and student groups alongside union members, emphasizing a message of humanitarian solidarity and political accountability for ongoing events in Gaza.
Florence and Tuscany
Florence reported a two-kilometer-long march extending past the Stadio Franchi, with protesters focused on Italy’s national team’s choice to play Israel. A large crowd announced plans to reach Coverciano, the national training center, exhibiting a broad cross-section of citizens voicing concern over Gaza and calling for a more humane policy approach.
Veneto and the Veneto rail and port blocks
In Venice and Mestre, two processions aimed to converge to block key transport links like Ponte Libertà, while Padova’s intermodal hub faced blockades tied to accusations against companies linked to conflict-related supply chains. Verona and Vicenza also reported sizable crowds moving through their centers as transport routes were interrupted.
Napoli, Cagliari, and beyond
Across southern cities, protesters carried Palestinian flags, banners, and solidarity slogans. In some places, constellations of students, workers, and civil society groups joined forces to link Gaza solidarity with broader calls for social justice and the right to protest without fear of intimidation.
<h2 Reactions and rhetoric
Leaders of the major unions, including the Cgil, spoke of a broad, peaceful mobilization and defended the right to protest as a democratic expression. Critics of the demonstrations argued that the day could damage livelihoods and essential services, while supporters argued that the protests highlight humanitarian concerns that deserve international attention. The government has called for calm and the protection of critical infrastructure, while unions warned against attempts to undermine workers exercising their rights.
<h2 Looking ahead
With transport services in many regions operating under limited schedules, the day’s impact on travel and commerce will likely continue into the evening. Organizers stress that the action is non-violent and aimed at pressuring political leaders to address humanitarian concerns in Gaza. Observers will be watching for any escalation or changes in the protest patterns as the day unfolds.
