KEY POINTS:
- More than two million people participated in general strike on October 3, according to CGIL union
- One million demonstrators marched through Rome on October 4, according to organizers
- Protests followed Israel’s interception of Global Sumud Flotilla carrying 40 Italian citizens
Over two million Italians took to the streets on October 3 in a general strike that paralyzed the nation’s economy, according to the Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL), which wrote on X that the strike was called “in defence of the flotilla” and to “stop the genocide.” Al Jazeera reported on October 3 that Turin-based daily La Stampa documented the mobilization involved the public and private sectors, “halting rail, air, metro, and bus transport, healthcare and schools.”
The demonstrations marked the most significant wave of working-class and popular opposition in Italy in decades, according to the World Socialist Web Site, which reported on October 6 that “Friday’s strike halted large sections of economic and social life.” The strike followed Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was carrying humanitarian aid and 40 Italian citizens attempting to reach Gaza.
CGIL leader Maurizio Landini defended the strike action at demonstrations in Milan, where Reuters cited him as saying on October 3: “This is not just any strike. We’re here today to defend brotherhood among individuals, among peoples, to put humanity back at the centre, to say no to genocide, to a policy of rearmament.”
Police estimates varied significantly from organizer claims throughout the protests. AFP reported on October 3 that police told the news agency at least 80,000 people marched in Rome, while organizers put the number at 300,000. The Times of Israel reported on October 3 that in Milan, police told AFP 80,000 people demonstrated, with organizers claiming over 100,000 participants.
The U.S. Embassy in Rome warned American citizens about the demonstrations in an alert published on October 3, stating police expected approximately 70,000 participants for the Friday demonstration and 20,000 for Saturday’s march. The embassy advised citizens to “avoid the area and exercise caution on the date of the demonstration.”
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni faced mounting pressure to shift her government’s stance on the conflict. Al Jazeera reported on October 3 that Andrea Dessi, an assistant professor of international relations and global politics at the American University of Rome, told the outlet that the Italian government had been “caught on its back foot.” Dessi stated that while Meloni announced Italy would recognize a Palestinian state if Israeli captives were freed and Hamas was shut out of future governance, protesters believed support should be unconditional.
The Nation reported on September 30 that Italy has become the third-largest supplier of weapons to Israel in the world, following the United States and Germany. The publication also reported that dockworkers were crucial to the strike’s success, blocking ports in Genova, Trieste, Venice, Livorno, and Salerno to impede the flow of weapons and military technologies.
Transportation systems across Italy ground to a halt during the strike. Euronews reported on October 3 that hundreds of trains were cancelled or delayed, several domestic flights were affected, and many private and public schools closed. The outlet reported that protesters approached the gates of the Italian football team’s training centre in Florence to demand its upcoming World Cup qualifier against Israel not be played.
Saturday’s demonstrations in Rome drew massive crowds, with organizers claiming one million participants. The Hill reported on October 4 that Rome’s police said 250,000 people turned out, while organizers claimed the higher figure. Al Monitor reported on October 4 that people holding banners and Palestinian flags filed past the Colosseum, chanting “Free Palestine” and other slogans.
The Italian government criticized the protests throughout the week. The Times of Israel reported on October 3 that Meloni suggested people were using the protests as an excuse to have a longer weekend break, stating: “I still believe that all this brings no benefit to the Palestinian people. On the other hand, I understand that it will cause a lot of problems for the Italian people.”
Al Jazeera reported on October 3 that as protests took place, Italy’s foreign ministry announced Israel had released four Italian parliamentarians out of the 40 Italians detained from the flotilla. The two members of parliament and two members of the European Parliament were due to arrive back in Rome on Friday, according to the ministry’s statement.
Labor Notes reported on October 9 that CGIL General Secretary Maurizio Landini emphasized “the extraordinary and unprecedented participation of young people, who are demanding a future of peace and social justice, with stable employment and a fight against precarious employment.” The publication noted that over 100 cities participated in the October 3 strike action.
The protests extended beyond Italy, spreading across continents. Al Jazeera reported on October 3 that in Barcelona, where the flotilla began its voyage, about 15,000 demonstrators marched, chanting “Gaza, you are not alone,” “Boycott Israel,” and “Freedom for Palestine.”
