ROME, 22 September 2025 – Tens of thousands of people joined protests across Italy on Monday, shutting down schools, blocking ports and disrupting major transport routes in one of Europe’s largest demonstrations against Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
From Milan to Palermo, rallies took place in at least 75 cities, organised under the slogan “Let’s Block Everything”. Grassroots unions called a 24-hour general strike, accusing the Italian government and the EU of “inertia” in the face of the humanitarian crisis.
In Rome, more than 20,000 protesters gathered outside Termini train station, waving Palestinian flags and chanting “free Palestine.” Michelangelo, a 17-year-old student, told AFP: “I came to support a population that is being exterminated.”
Nearby, political science student Alessandra pointed to recent UN findings accusing Israel of genocide. “This doesn’t mean we’re anti-Jews or antisemitic, and we’re tired of the media and politicians playing on this misunderstanding,” she told La Repubblica. “It just means we’re against a government that’s committing genocide while the international community looks the other way.”
Dock workers in Genoa and Livorno blocked access to ports, citing concerns that Italian facilities were being used to transfer arms to Israel.
In Milan, where organisers said 50,000 gathered, clashes erupted when protesters tried to break into the central station. Smoke bombs, bottles and stones were thrown at police, who responded with pepper spray. Authorities reported more than 10 arrests and 60 police officers injured nationwide. In Bologna, water cannon were deployed to clear a blocked road.
Meloni condemns violence
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence. “Violence and destruction have nothing to do with solidarity and won’t change a thing in the lives of people in Gaza,” she wrote on social media. Meloni has previously argued that recognising a Palestinian state prematurely could be “counterproductive,” telling La Repubblica in July: “If something that doesn’t exist is recognised on paper, the problem could appear to be solved when it isn’t.”
Others on the streets said the disruption was necessary. Federica Casino, 52, who joined the Rome demonstration, told AFP: “Italy must come to a standstill today. Italy talks but does nothing.”
Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini downplayed the impact of the strike, describing it as “the political mobilisation of far-left unionists” and praising those who chose to go to work.
Also read: Italian boats join Global Sumud Flotilla
