Pressure mounts on Meloni’s gov’t as Gaza protests paralyse Italy

Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera
3M ago
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Hundreds of thousands protested across Italy in solidarity with the Global Sumud Flotilla, demanding support for Palestine and the release of detained Italians.
Pressure mounts on Meloni’s gov’t as Gaza protests paralyse Italy
A What happened
On October 3, 2025, Italy witnessed massive protests as part of a general strike supporting the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted by Israeli forces while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. Over two million people participated, with significant disruptions in public transport and services. Protesters, organized by trade unions, demanded the release of detained Italians and unconditional support for a Palestinian state. The protests were marked by a diverse turnout, including students and families. While the Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has indicated conditional support for Palestine, many protesters believe this stance is insufficient. Major demonstrations are expected to continue, with calls for more serious sanctions against Israel. The situation has drawn international attention, with solidarity protests occurring globally.

Key insights

  • 1

    Massive Turnout: Over two million people protested across Italy in solidarity with the Global Sumud Flotilla.

  • 2

    Government Response: The Italian government criticized the protests, suggesting they were an excuse for a longer weekend.

  • 3

    International Solidarity: Protests in support of the flotilla occurred globally, reflecting widespread concern for Gaza.

  • 4

    Demands for Action: Protesters called for unconditional support for Palestine and the release of detained Italians.

  • 5

    Ongoing Protests: Major protests are planned in Rome, with expectations of significant participation.

Takeaways

The protests highlight a growing movement in Italy advocating for Palestinian rights and humanitarian aid.

Topics

World & Politics International Affairs Human Rights