Overview

• Tens of thousands joined protests in more than 80 cities, with port entrances in Genoa and Livorno blocked and goods traffic slowed by sit‑ins.
• Grassroots unions including the Autonomous Dockworkers Collective (CALP) and the Basic Union (USB) led the walkout alongside solidarity networks backing the Global Sumud Flotilla of roughly 60 aid boats.
• Rail services reported delays and cancellations, local transit was curtailed in major cities such as Rome and Milan, and some schools and universities closed.
• Dockworkers warned they would block shipments to Israel and escalate their action if the flotilla is attacked, citing a recent history of refusing suspected arms loads.
• Italy’s government says it will not recognize a Palestinian state for now and has hesitated over proposed EU trade sanctions, even as several countries move toward recognition at the UN.