Genoa dockers are threatening to block all trade with Israel if an aid flotilla bound for Gaza is attacked.
The Genoa dockers have adopted the Global Sumud Flotilla, a convoy of 50 boats sailing to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Some of the crew are from Genoa’s docks. Swedish activist Greta Thunberg is also aboard.
Talks in Genoa on Friday and Saturday brought together dockers from across Europe. They discussed coordinated action against arms shipments to Israel, though no outcome was announced. The flotilla has been attacked by drones several times.
Riccardo Rudino, a veteran docker and leader in the CALP collective, told Politico that obstructing trade is the only effective step. “If they attack the flotilla there will be a general strike and, if Israel doesn’t alter course in Gaza, a total trade blockade,” he said.
Rudino argued dockworkers have a long history of stopping arms shipments, citing South Africa during apartheid. He said blocking goods was “the people’s weapon” in the absence of military power.
The dockers’ threat follows suspected drone attacks on the flotilla last week. They have designated the boats as a “tripwire,” warning of immediate disruption to shipments linked to Israel if the convoy is targeted.
Italy’s largest trade union, CGIL, has pledged to call a general strike if the flotilla is attacked.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government is facing pressure to take a tougher stance with Israel. Calls to recognise Palestinian statehood have intensified during regional elections.
