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3h ago

Italy’s Gaza Flotilla Furor Triggers Nationwide Strike, Tests Meloni on EU Israel Measures

Unions mobilized tens of thousands nationwide following Israel’s release of four Italian lawmakers detained in the convoy.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators protest during a nationwide strike called by the USB union to condemn the Israeli forces' interception of some of the vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla aiming to reach Gaza and break Israel's naval blockade, in Rome, Italy, October 3, 2025. REUTERS/Yara Nardi
A pro-Palestinian demonstrator attends a protest during a nationwide strike called by the USB union to condemn the Israeli forces' interception of the vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla aiming to reach Gaza and break Israel's naval blockade, in Rome, Italy, October 3, 2025. REUTERS/Yara Nardi
A pro-Palestinian demonstrator attends a protest during a nationwide strike called by the USB union to condemn the Israeli forces' interception of some of the vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla aiming to reach Gaza and break Israel's naval blockade, in Rome, Italy, October 3, 2025. REUTERS/Yara Nardi
A boy attends a pro-Palestinian protest during a nationwide strike called by the USB union to condemn the Israeli forces' interception of some of the vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla aiming to reach Gaza and break Israel's naval blockade, in Rome, Italy, October 3, 2025. REUTERS/Yara Nardi

Overview

  • Tens of thousands joined a day-long general strike and marches in more than 100 cities in support of the Global Sumud Flotilla, according to organizers and local reports.
  • The strike disrupted rail services with delays and cancellations, produced limited airport impacts, kept metros running in Rome and Milan, and saw port blockages reported in Livorno and protests by stevedores in Genoa.
  • Italy’s strike watchdog said unions failed to give the required notice, while some demonstrations included vandalism and clashes with police in cities such as Turin and Milan, Reuters reported.
  • Italy’s foreign ministry said four Italian parliamentarians detained after the Israeli navy intercepted the flotilla were released, with more than 20 Italian activists among those held, according to POLITICO.
  • Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the flotilla and the strike, and a senior EU official told POLITICO the domestic backlash could influence Italy’s stance on proposed European Commission trade measures targeting Israel.