Mass Protests Erupt Across Italy Over Gaza Flotilla, Meloni’s Stance on Israel
ROME – Thousands of people took to the streets across Italy on Thursday in support of the Gaza flotilla and against Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s pro-Israel stance, marking a sharp escalation in nationwide demonstrations.
In Rome, police estimated around 10,000 protesters gathered at the Colosseum before marching through the capital. Similar rallies were reported in Milan, Torino, Florence, and Bologna. The demonstrations came just a day after another protest shook the capital on Wednesday evening.
“The flotilla has reopened attention on this issue, reviving consciences that had perhaps fallen silent after two years of war and bloodshed,” said Rome city council member Lorenzo Giardinetti, who joined the march. “Today it is the Colosseum, tomorrow it is the general strike. Like the flotilla activists, we must put our bodies on the line.”
Veteran activist Gianfranco Pagliarulo, 76, said the crowds were also voicing anger at Italy’s leadership. “Instead of defending victims, the government defends aggressors. This is absolutely intolerable,” he told reporters.
In Milan, around 5,000 demonstrators marched toward the iconic Duomo, blocking rush-hour traffic while chanting: “We are ready to block everything. The genocide machine must stop now.”
Transport was also disrupted in Florence and Bologna, where trains were halted after protesters occupied rail lines, according to rail operator Trenitalia.
Trade unions have called a general strike for Friday, vowing to escalate pressure on the government.
The protests came hours after Italy confirmed that Israel had detained 40 Italians traveling with the Gaza flotilla. Meloni, speaking at a European Union meeting in Denmark, reiterated her criticism of the activists’ efforts.
“Obviously, we will do everything we can to ensure they return to Italy quickly,” she said. “But I continue to believe that this brings no benefit to the Palestinian people.”
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told parliament that all flotilla members would likely be deported early next week from Tel Aviv via charter flights to European capitals, though details remain uncertain.
The flotilla, named Global Sumud, set sail to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Among those on board were two Italian parliamentarians and two members of the European Parliament. Organizers denounced the Israeli navy’s interceptions on Wednesday as “illegal,” saying the vessels were in international waters when stopped.
Unions backing Friday’s strike said their message was clear: “It’s time to block everything. Israel is violating international law.”
Meloni, who leads a far-right government, has branded the flotilla “dangerous” and “irresponsible,” though Italy has also dispatched a navy frigate for possible assistance. She warned earlier this week that the activists’ actions could undermine U.S. President Donald Trump’s push for an end to the Israel-Hamas war.
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