A general strike and mass protests hit Italy on Friday after Israel intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla and detained activists on board. Demonstrations took place in all major cities, while transport and education were severely disrupted.
The strike was called by trade unions CGIL and USB, despite Italy’s strike watchdog declaring it illegal due to insufficient notice. CGIL defended the action and said it would appeal the ruling.
The impact was widespread. Many schools closed, trains were cancelled or delayed for hours, and several domestic flights were scrapped. Long queues of trucks formed at the port of Livorno after protesters blocked access.
Unrest had already begun on Wednesday when Israeli forces boarded the flotilla boats. Protesters blocked roads and occupied train tracks in several cities. In Bologna, police in riot gear clashed with demonstrators on Thursday.
Turin also saw unrest, with vandalism reported at the OGR centre, where John Elkann, Jeff Bezos, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are scheduled to attend meetings on Friday.
Students have also joined the protests. Sit-ins and occupations spread to Milan’s Università Statale, Rome’s La Sapienza literature faculty, and the humanities department at Turin University.
The strike and protests reflect growing anger in Italy over the situation in Gaza.
