Italy sees mass protests as millions demand end to Gaza blockade

ROME: Nearly two million people across Italy staged massive demonstrations on Friday, protesting Israel’s blockade of Gaza and the recent seizure of humanitarian aid flotillas.

The protests, among the largest in Italy in recent years, were spearheaded by the country’s largest labor union, CGIL, and included a nationwide strike with rallies in over 100 cities.

Demonstrators carried banners and chanted, “Free Palestine, Stop the War, Down with Israeli Aggression.”

In Rome alone, police reported an estimated turnout of 80,000 people, while organizers claimed up to 300,000.

In Milan, crowds between 80,000 and 100,000 filled the streets, with thousands more rallying in Turin, Genoa, Naples, Bologna, and Florence.

The wave of demonstrations followed Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla earlier this week.

The flotilla, consisting of 43 boats carrying relief supplies for Gaza, was seized by Israeli forces, and nearly 500 volunteers were arrested — including 40 Italians, four of whom were swiftly deported.

The protests escalated into road, railway, and airport blockades across Italy. At Pisa Airport, demonstrators stormed the runway, forcing several hours of flight suspensions.

In some cities, clashes broke out with police when protesters attempted to shut down highways.

Israel has alleged that the flotilla had links to Hamas, a claim strongly rejected by Italian demonstrators.

Opposition leader Elly Schlein of the Democratic Party declared that the flotilla was fulfilling a humanitarian duty that Europe had failed to undertake: “delivering aid to civilians trapped under siege.”