Italy Paralyzed by Nationwide Strike in Solidarity with Gaza

 

By Oriontimes News Desk |October 4th, 2025

Italy came to a near standstill on Friday as millions of citizens joined a nationwide general strike in solidarity with Gaza, following the interception of a humanitarian aid flotilla by Israeli forces earlier this week.

The strike, organized by Italy’s largest labor unions including CGIL and USB, disrupted transport networks, schools, and public services across more than 100 cities, with massive turnouts in Rome, Milan, Naples, Florence, and Genoa.

A Show of Global Solidarity

The strike was sparked by outrage over Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a convoy of ships carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza. Protesters accused European governments,  including Italy of complicity through silence and demanded stronger humanitarian action.

In Rome, more than 300,000 demonstrators flooded the streets carrying Palestinian flags, chanting, “Stop the blockade, free Gaza!” Across the nation, ports in Livorno, Salerno, and Genoa were blocked, while train and metro systems in major cities experienced delays and cancellations.

Transportation, Schools, and Services Affected

The general strike caused major travel disruptions as trains, buses, and some flights were canceled. Schools and public offices also shut down or operated at reduced capacity.

Euronews reported that nearly 60% of the national workforce participated in the strike, while solidarity protests spread to smaller towns and university campuses.

Government Reaction and Backlash

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized the strike, calling it “politically motivated and unnecessary,” arguing that it did little to improve the situation in Gaza. Her government also questioned the legality of the protest, citing inadequate notice under Italian labor law.

Union leaders, however, defended their action as a “moral necessity”, saying silence in the face of humanitarian catastrophe was unacceptable.

A Growing Political Ripple

Analysts say the protests reflect growing public discontent with Italy’s stance on the Gaza war. Opposition leaders and human rights groups have joined calls for stronger diplomatic intervention and humanitarian support.

The Guardian reported that the protests have increased pressure on Meloni’s government to reconsider its foreign policy stance and reevaluate its cooperation with Israel in defense and trade.

A Voice Beyond Borders

Friday’s strike marked one of the largest demonstrations in Italy in recent years and echoed a broader European sentiment of frustration over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Organizers vowed to continue weekly demonstrations until “a real path to peace and justice” is restored.