Italian trade unions called a general strike for Friday in solidarity with an international aid flotilla bound for Gaza, whilst protests erupted across multiple cities on Wednesday evening following reports that military personnel had intercepted the civilian vessels carrying Italian citizens.
On Wednesday, demonstrators entered Naples’ main railway station and halted train traffic whilst police surrounded Rome’s Termini station after protesters gathered near entrances.
The Global Sumud Flotilla comprises more than 40 civilian boats carrying approximately 500 parliamentarians, lawyers and activists, including an Italian contingent, attempting to break Israel’s Gaza blockade with medicine and food despite repeated Israeli warnings to turn back.
The CGIL union, Italy’s largest trade union confederation, called the strike after describing the interception as “an extremely serious matter” involving aggression against civilian ships carrying Italian citizens. Several smaller unions announced they would join the industrial action, which follows a previous general strike on 22 September organised by grassroots union USB that turned violent in Milan.
In Genoa, USB announced plans to block the port and called protesters to gather at 10:00pm local time at a main entrance. Over the past fortnight, Italian dockworkers have prevented various vessels from docking and loading, targeting ships they claim were involved in trade with Israel.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated earlier that his Israeli counterpart had assured him Israeli armed forces would not use violence against activists aboard the flotilla.
Read more:
