Overview

• Tens of thousands marched in at least 75–81 municipalities on September 22, with trains, buses, schools and universities disrupted across the country.
• Dockworkers in Genoa and Livorno blockaded port access and pledged support for the Global Sumud Flotilla, seeking to halt shipments linked to Israel.
• Clashes broke out in Milan and other cities, where police used tear gas, pepper spray and water cannon after some protesters threw projectiles and smashed windows.
• Protesters demanded Italy recognise Palestinian statehood, suspend commercial and military cooperation with Israel, halt arms shipments and safeguard the aid flotilla.
• Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence and reiterated that Italy will not recognise a Palestinian state for now, even as more Western countries announced recognition and polls show significant public concern over Gaza.