Italy Paralyzed by Nationwide Strike Over Ties with Israel Amid Gaza Conflict

On September 22, 2025, Italy experienced a nationwide general strike as tens of thousands protested the country's military and commercial ties with Israel, highlighting a significant shift in public sentiment amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.

The 24-hour strike, organized by grassroots unions including the Unione Sindacale di Base (USB), Confederazione Unitaria di Base (CUB), Sindacato Generale di Base (SGB), and Associazione Difesa Lavoratrici e Lavoratori (ADL), disrupted key sectors across Italy, including transportation, education, and port operations. Demonstrations in major cities like Rome, Milan, and Bologna underscored growing public dissent over Italy's stance on the Gaza conflict and its relations with Israel.

The conflict intensified following Hamas' October 2023 attack on Israel, leading to a prolonged military response that has resulted in over 65,000 deaths in Gaza and severe humanitarian conditions. Despite expressing concern over Israel's military actions, the Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has not recognized Palestinian statehood and remains hesitant to impose trade sanctions on Israel.

The strike significantly disrupted both public and private sectors across Italy:

• Transportation: Local public transport and railway services experienced delays and cancellations. In Rome, several regional train services were canceled, while in Milan, the M4 metro line was closed, and trains faced delays of up to two hours.

• Education: Schools and universities were affected, with students participating in protests and some institutions halting lessons.

• Ports: Dockworkers in major ports like Genoa and Livorno participated by blocking or slowing down operations, particularly targeting shipments destined for Israel.

Significant demonstrations occurred in several cities:

• Rome: Over 20,000 demonstrators gathered near the central Termini train station, causing traffic disruptions.

• Milan: Protests escalated into violent clashes between masked protesters and police at the central train station, resulting in injuries and arrests.

• Bologna: Authorities used water cannons to disperse demonstrators blocking a highway.

Union leaders criticized the Italian and EU governments for inaction, demanding an end to trade and arms dealings with Israel. Walter Montagnoli, national secretary of the CUB union, stated, "If we don’t block what Israel is doing, if we don’t block trade, the distribution of weapons and everything else with Israel, we will not ever achieve anything."

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence associated with the protests, emphasizing that such actions do not aid the people in Gaza. Despite expressing concern over Israel's military actions, the Italian government has not recognized Palestinian statehood and remains hesitant to impose trade sanctions on Israel.

This strike reflects a significant mobilization within Italy, highlighting public dissent regarding the country's stance on the Gaza conflict and its relations with Israel. The widespread participation underscores the growing concern among Italians about their government's foreign policy decisions and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

While Italy has a history of labor strikes, this event stands out due to its focus on international solidarity and the scale of participation across various sectors. The involvement of multiple grassroots unions and the coordination of nationwide demonstrations indicate a unified stance against the perceived complicity of the Italian government in the Gaza conflict.

The general strike on September 22, 2025, serves as a pivotal moment in Italy's engagement with the Gaza conflict, reflecting deep societal concerns and the potential for labor movements to influence foreign policy.

The Italian strike coincides with international efforts such as the Global Sumud Flotilla, aiming to break Israel's naval blockade of Gaza, despite security risks and diplomatic pleas for compromise.

During Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech at the United Nations General Assembly on September 26, 2025, a mass walk-out protest occurred, highlighting Israel’s growing international isolation amid its ongoing war in Gaza.