Italy's Strikes and Solidarity: Unions Rally for Gaza Aid

Thousands of Italians held a general strike in solidarity with a Gaza aid flotilla intercepted by Israel. Led by unions, the protests spanned over 100 cities, causing transport disruptions. Italy's right-wing government criticized the strikes, linking them to political motivations and not humanitarian concerns.

Thousands of Italians filled the streets on Friday in a sweeping general strike orchestrated by unions showing solidarity with an aid flotilla bound for Gaza, which was intercepted by Israel earlier this week.

Protesters, led by the CGIL trade union, marched through more than 100 cities across the nation. In Rome, demonstrators journeyed from Piazza Vittorio to the main train station, waving Palestinian and union flags, and displaying banners, despite causing rail network disruptions.

While Metro lines in Rome and Milan remained operational, the strike drew criticism from Italy's right-wing government, labeling it political rather than humanitarian. Pro-Palestinian protests continued throughout Europe, with Italy seeing fervent participation, underscoring the country's historical political activism.

(With inputs from agencies.)