Italians protest over Gaza war, prompting criticism from PM

Clashes erupted in Italy on September 22nd after Italians staged a strike in solidarity with Palestinians, prompting criticism from the country’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni, according to the BBC via Reuters.

The protests, coordinated by trade unions, disrupted transport and port activity. The strike action took place in more than 80 towns and cities, including Rome, Bologna and Florence.

The largest crowds gathered in Milan and Rome, in which some 60 officers around Milan’s central station were reportedly hurt. Demonstrators urged for a ceasefire in Gaza and set fire to a US flag. A smaller group, dressed in black, threw stones, smoke bombs and metal objects.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni denounced the unrest in Milan as “shameful,” saying the assault on police officers had “nothing to do with solidarity” and would bring “consequences for Italian citizens.” Opposition party members have expressed frustration over her avoidance of discussing her stance on Israel in parliament.

This was not the first mass demonstration in Italy over the conflict. On June 7th, an estimated 300,000 people joined a march in Rome led by Italian opposition groups. Protesters at that rally carried banners reading “Stop the massacre, stop complicity,” and criticised Meloni’s government over its inaction.

Similar social action has also occurred across Europe. On June 15th, some 150,000 people gathered in The Hague and more than 100,000 gathered in Brussels to demand stronger action against Israel’s offensive. Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and Oxfam, planned the events.

The September 22nd strike in Italy comes against the backdrop of France’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state. President Emmanuel Macron described the move as “necessity” and a step towards a broader peace plan, a position supported by countries such as Belgium, Malta, and Luxembourg. Italy has resisted recognising Palestine, arguing it would be “counter-productive,” while Germany has said recognition should only come at the end of a political process.

Israel strongly opposed France’s move, with President Isaac Herzog warning it would “embolden the forces of darkness.” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot insisted the recognition was a “categorical rejection of Hamas” and a “diplomatic victory.”

Milan’s mayor, Giuseppe Sala, condemned the vandalism during the strike, saying it “certainly does not help the cause of Gaza.” Despite official disapproval, the repeated mass mobilisations in Italy suggest sustained support for Palestinian statehood within Europe’s wider protests.

BBC via Reuters, Maghrebi.org