Tens of thousands of people demonstrated in various cities in Italy against Israel
Tens of thousands of people demonstrated in various Italian cities against Israel in Gaza, Palestine. This massive action resulted in school closures, disrupted transportation services, and the blocking of ports and main roads.
As reported by The Guardian on Tuesday (September 23, 2025), the demonstration was described as one of the largest protests in Europe against the Gaza war.
The UK, Australia, Portugal, and Canada were the first to recognize Palestine on Sunday (September 21, 2025). Meanwhile, France and several other countries followed suit on Monday (September 22, 2025).
Labor unions in Italy called for a 24-hour general strike in solidarity with the people of Gaza. This solidarity action spread to 75 cities, from Milan to Palermo.
In Genoa and Livorno, dockworkers blocked access over concerns that Italian ports were being used to ship weapons to Israel. In Rome, more than 20,000 people gathered at Termini station waving Palestinian flags and chanting the slogan “Free Palestine.”
They also voiced support for the Global Sumud Flotilla, an international flotilla. The flotilla attempted to break the Israeli naval blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
In Milan, organizers said 50,000 people took to the streets, while police in Bologna reported more than 10,000 participants. However, tensions escalated when a group of demonstrators in Milan attempted to damage the main entrance of the train station with smoke bombs, bottles, and stones.
