Pro-Palestinian Demonstrations Disrupt Cities and Ports Across Italy
Nationwide demonstrations took place across Italy on Monday, with protesters rallying against Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza. While organisers described the actions as pro-Palestinian, the protests frequently included strong criticism of Israel and calls to halt Italian involvement in arms transfers to the country.
In Milan, tensions escalated into confrontations between protesters and police at the central train station. Demonstrators, some carrying Palestinian flags and others dressed in black, damaged public property and clashed with security forces. Tear gas was deployed, and several people were detained. Dozens of police officers were reported injured during the altercations.
The protests were part of a broader national strike organised by trade unions, calling attention to what they referred to as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and urging an end to Italian complicity in what protesters referred to as Israeli aggression.
Ports Targeted Over Alleged Arms Transfers to Israel
Demonstrations also disrupted port operations in Venice, Genoa, Livorno, and Trieste, where dockworkers and activists sought to block the movement of cargo they suspect may be linked to military supplies for Israel. In Venice, authorities used water cannons to disperse crowds.
Protesters argued that Italy should not facilitate what they see as Israel’s military operations against Palestinians. They called for an end to what they describe as passive or active support for Israel through trade and logistics.
Government Condemns Unrest, Affirms Support for Israel
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violent turn in Milan and other cities, stating that such acts would not improve the situation in Gaza and would instead cause harm to Italian citizens. She referred to the demonstrators responsible for the violence as “hooligans,” distancing their actions from any legitimate form of international solidarity.
Meloni’s government has maintained strong diplomatic and strategic ties with Israel and has stated it will not follow other European countries in recognising a Palestinian state.
Nationwide Impact of Protests
Roads were blocked near Bologna, and rail services were briefly disrupted in Naples, where demonstrators entered the central station and occupied parts of the tracks. In Rome, a large crowd marched from the main train station, causing major traffic delays on surrounding roads.
In Genoa, protesters rallied near the port, with Palestinian flags prominently displayed. Members of a local port workers’ collective voiced support for Palestinians and criticised Italian political alignment with Israel.
One protester stated, “The Palestinian people show us what resistance looks like—we try to reflect that in our actions here.”
While described as pro-Palestinian, the demonstrations were marked by clear opposition to Israel’s policies and actions in Gaza, as well as criticism of Italy’s ongoing ties with the Israeli government.
