The recent interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla by the Israeli Navy has sparked widespread protests across Italy. Demonstrations occurred from the north to the south of the country on the evening of the interception, coinciding with reports from the Mediterranean.
Protests Across Italy
In Rome, around 10,000 protesters gathered at Piazza dei Cinquecento, situated in front of the Termini Station. They aimed to march towards Largo Chigi but encountered police blockades at Piazza Barberini. Eventually, they reached Piazza San Silvestro, where chants and colorful smoke bombs filled the air. A faction of the group redirected towards Piazza San Silvestro, carrying a banner that read “Palestina – blocchiamo tutto” and threw objects at police officers before returning to their starting point.
Disruptions at Major Transit Hubs
- Rome: Termini Station entrances closed, access granted only to ticket holders.
- Naples, Pisa, and Turin: Railway junctions blocked with demonstrators on the tracks.
- Milano: Pro-Palestine activists occupied Cadorna Station.
- Additional gatherings occurred in: Bari, Palermo, Florence, Livorno, Novara, and Siena.
Political Context
In Bologna, thousands called for the resignation of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni outside the Prefecture, while in Genoa, the USB union mobilized activists under the slogan “Blocchiamo il porto.” Two port accesses in the city were closed as a result.
New demonstrations and sit-ins are planned across Italy in the coming days, culminating in a general strike announced by the CGIL and USB labor unions. Matteo Salvini, the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, is considering legal actions to prevent disruptions caused by a “minority” of protesters from impacting millions of Italians.
Government Response and Upcoming Parliamentary Actions
This morning, key communications from Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani are scheduled in Parliament. The government will vote on resolutions concerning the proposed “Trump Plan” for peace between Israel and Hamas.
- Center-right groups may propose two resolutions:
- One focusing on recognizing the State of Palestine, conditional on excluding Hamas from the Gaza government and the release of Israeli hostages.
- A shorter resolution regarding the American peace plan.
- Opposition parties, including PD, M5S, and AVS, are expected to draft a united document.
- Azione and Italia Viva will present separate resolutions.
The Democratic Party plans to abstain on the majority resolution regarding a ceasefire in Gaza but will vote against the recognition of Palestinian statehood, a strategy likely mirrored by M5S and AVS.
