Demonstrations and Strikes in Italian Cities to Condemn the Genocide in Gaza

SadaNews - Tens of thousands demonstrated today, Monday, in several Italian cities, responding to a call from labor unions for mobilization "to condemn the genocide in Gaza" and to demand economic and diplomatic sanctions against Israel.

In Rome, more than 20,000 people, including a large number of high school students, gathered in front of the Termini station, waving Palestinian flags and chanting "Free Palestine".

Some metro train services and bus transport were halted in response to the unions' call for a general strike in Rome.

The strike extended to several schools, public administrations, and the health sector.

Seventeen-year-old Michelangelo told the French news agency that he came to express his solidarity with a "people being exterminated," while 18-year-old Francesca Ticia, participating in a demonstration for the first time, said that "what is happening (in Gaza) is very important".

Demonstrations also took place in Milan, Turin (north), Florence (central), Naples, Bari, and Palermo (south).

In Genoa and Livorno (north-central), port workers closed the port docks, according to Italian news agencies.

The head of the European Palestinian Media Center, Raed Salahat, reported that demonstrators in the suburbs of the Italian city of Florence stormed a weapons factory in Italy that supplies the Israeli occupation with weapons, leading to violent clashes with the police.

Salahat added in statements to Al Jazeera Net that many Italian cities witnessed a "massive and unprecedented" public and union solidarity with the Palestinian cause and the Gaza Strip, explaining that this day is "considered Palestine Day par excellence".

He said that the number of declared demonstrations exceeded 75 demonstrations.

Salahat revealed that more than 230 Italian lawyers and human rights activists signed a statement issued yesterday, calling for the cessation of military cooperation with Israel, considering it a "clear participation in genocide and killing", and contrary to international law and the Italian constitution.

This mobilization comes on the day France and other countries are set to recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations, following the recognition of it by the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada on Sunday. However, Italy remains cautious.

The conservative government of Giorgia Meloni, ideologically close to former U.S. President Donald Trump, has taken a cautious stance on the war in Gaza, despite the Prime Minister repeatedly expressing her "concern" over Israeli attacks.

The government states that it does not wish to recognize the State of Palestine "at this time," and is hesitant to accept the trade sanctions proposed by the European Union.