General strike shuts down Italy amid pro-Gaza protests

ROME - A general strike in solidarity with the Palestinian population of Gaza brought public transport, schools, and other services to a halt in Italy on Monday, causing disruption in major cities.

This was the second such initiative in a few days, following a first 4-hour walk-off called by the General Confederation of Labour (CGIL), Italy's largest union, on Sept 19.

Local transports and some train connections were disrupted, and especially during morning and central hours, while activities in the ports of Genoa and Livorno stopped due to dockworkers' abstention.

As most schools, universities, and several public offices remained shut, large numbers of Italians gathered in the streets voicing solidarity with Palestinians, and protesting against Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip.

Demonstrations were organised in at least 75 towns and cities across the country, with the largest rallies being registered in Rome, Bologna, Milan, Turin, and Venice. Italian broadcaster Rai News reported that at least 100,000 people participated in demonstrations.

According to Italy's ANSA news agency, several hundred pro-Gaza protesters clashed with police in Milan near the city's Central Station. More than a dozen people were reportedly detained for public disorder, while around sixty police officers were injured or bruised, 23 of whom were taken to hospital.

Overall, the protesters aimed to put pressure on Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government to demand sanctions against Israel, support for humanitarian initiatives for Palestinian civilians, and suspension of all trade and military agreements with Israel until the conflict in Gaza ends, and the West Bank occupation is lifted.

Unions also called on the government to recognise the State of Palestine, a step that the Italian cabinet has not taken so far.

Several European Union (EU) members, including Portugal, Spain, and France, along with Britain, Canada and Australia, have either recognised a Palestinian state or announced plans to do so. However, Italy has not followed suit.