Thousands in Italy Strike in Solidarity with Gaza

Thousands of Italians took to the streets and ports across the country on September 22, 2025, in a sweeping general strike to express solidarity with Gaza and protest Italy’s role in arms shipments to Israel. The coordinated action, led by major labor unions and grassroots organizations, disrupted key infrastructure in cities including Rome, Genoa, and Milan, drawing international attention to Italy’s involvement in the ongoing Gaza conflict.

Nationwide Disruption and Port Blockades

The most significant disruptions occurred in Genoa, where dockworkers launched a powerful blockade of the port, halting the movement of goods and specifically targeting shipments believed to be destined for Israel. According to live coverage by DRM News, the strike was part of a broader campaign titled “Let’s Block Everything,” which saw coordinated actions in multiple cities. In Milan, protests escalated into clashes between demonstrators and police, underscoring the intensity of public anger over the Gaza crisis and Italy’s military cooperation with Israel.

Union leaders from USB, CUB, and SGB called for immediate sanctions against Israel and demanded the establishment of humanitarian corridors to Gaza. They argued that continued arms exports from Italy contribute directly to the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the region. The unions’ demands were echoed by dockworkers and activists, who vowed to continue blockades until the Italian government halts all military shipments to Israel.

Demands for Policy Change and Humanitarian Action

Protesters carried banners and chanted slogans calling for an end to what they described as “complicity in genocide.” The demonstrations were not limited to port cities; in Rome, thousands rallied outside government buildings, urging Italian lawmakers to break ties with Israel’s military industry and prioritize humanitarian aid for Gaza. Organizers highlighted the urgent need for international intervention, with many referencing the Global Sumud Flotilla and other European solidarity efforts as models for action.

The strike also drew attention to the broader European debate over arms exports and the ethical responsibilities of democracies in conflict zones. While the Italian government has defended its arms trade as consistent with international law, union leaders and independent observers have challenged these claims, pointing to mounting civilian casualties in Gaza and the lack of effective oversight on end-use of exported weapons.

Broader Implications and International Response

The Italian strike is part of a growing wave of European protests against the Gaza conflict, with similar actions reported in Spain, France, and Germany in recent weeks. International human rights organizations have praised the Italian unions for their stance, while also calling on other governments to reassess their military and economic ties to Israel. The protests have intensified scrutiny of Italy’s role in the so-called “war economy,” with activists warning that continued arms shipments risk fueling further violence and undermining prospects for peace.

As the strike entered its second day, union leaders signaled their intention to escalate actions if their demands are not met. The Italian government has yet to issue a comprehensive response, but the scale and coordination of the protests suggest that public pressure on policymakers is unlikely to subside soon. Observers note that the events in Italy may serve as a catalyst for broader European action on Gaza, as calls for accountability and humanitarian intervention grow louder across the continent.