ROME: Pro-Palestinian protests, strikes and blockades swept across Italy on Monday, disrupting transport and port operations, as unions and activists demanded an end to Israel’s offensive in Gaza and called for sanctions.
The mobilisation coincided with France’s and several other countries’ intention to recognise the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, following recognition by the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada on Sunday. But Italy has taken a more cautious stance and will not recognise a Palestinian state for now.
In Rome, hundreds of high school students gathered outside Termini train station, waving Palestinian flags and chanting “Free Palestine!”
Michelangelo, 17, told AFP he was there to support “a population that is being exterminated.” Francesca Tecchia, 18, joined her first protest, saying “what is happening (in Gaza) is too important.”
“Italy must come to a standstill today,” said Federica Casino, a 52-year-old worker demonstrating alongside the students “for Gaza’s dead children and destroyed hospitals.”
