Italy Holds Nationwide Strike to Protest Israeli Interception of Humanitarian Flotilla

On October 3, 2025, Italy experienced a nationwide general strike and widespread protests in response to the Israeli interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian mission aimed at delivering aid to Gaza. The strike, organized by major trade unions including the Confederazione Generale Italiana del Lavoro (CGIL) and Unione Sindacale di Base (USB), led to significant disruptions across the country, particularly in the transportation and education sectors.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising over 40 civilian boats and carrying approximately 500 activists from more than 45 countries, set sail between August and September 2025. Its mission was to deliver essential food and medical supplies to Gaza, challenging Israel's longstanding naval blockade. Among the participants were around 40 Italian nationals, including members of parliament and European parliamentarians. On October 1, Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla, detaining the activists and seizing the vessels.

In response, Italian labor unions called for a general strike to protest the interception and express solidarity with the Palestinian cause. The CGIL stated, "The aggression against civilian ships carrying Italian citizens is an extremely serious matter. It is not only a crime against defenseless people, but it is also serious that the Italian government has abandoned Italian workers in open international waters, violating our constitutional principles." The USB echoed this sentiment, calling for immediate mobilizations "in all squares" ahead of the strike date.

The strike led to significant disruptions nationwide. In Rome, tens of thousands of protesters marched from Piazza Vittorio to the main train station, holding union and Palestinian flags. The CGIL reported a turnout of 300,000 participants in the capital alone. In Naples, demonstrators occupied the central railway station, halting train services and prompting a strong police presence. Genoa's dockworkers blocked access to the port, leading to long lines of trucks on the roads leading to the harbor. The strike caused delays and cancellations across Italy's rail network, with more limited disruptions at airports. Metro lines continued operating in both Rome and Milan.

The Italian government criticized the strike. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni dismissed the action, suggesting it was an excuse for a long weekend. "I would have expected that at least on such an important issue they would not have called a general strike on a Friday, because a long weekend and revolution don't go together," she said. Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini declared the strike illegitimate due to insufficient notice and warned of potential sanctions against participants.

Despite the government's stance, the protests proceeded, reflecting widespread public support for the Palestinian cause. Sociologist Mattia Diletti noted, "Italy has always been a very political country, characterized by this element." The mass mobilizations in Italy were part of a broader wave of international protests in response to the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla. Cities across Europe, including Barcelona, Madrid, London, Berlin, and Istanbul, witnessed demonstrations demanding an end to violence against civilians and expressing solidarity with Gaza.

The recent protests and strikes signify a resurgence of Italian activism and raise questions about the country's foreign policy stance. The involvement of Genoa's dockworkers in the Global Sumud Flotilla and their support for the mission highlight the city's enduring activist legacy. The events underscore a significant public outcry against the Israeli blockade of Gaza and the interception of the humanitarian flotilla, highlighting a growing disconnect between the Italian government's policies and public sentiment regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.