Demonstrators holding Palestinian flags gather at Piazza dei Cinquecento during a rally held as part of a general strike called by trade unions to protest rearmament programs, condemn the genocide against Palestinians, and support the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, in Rome, Italy on May 18, 2026. [Claudia Chieppa – Anadolu Agency]
A nationwide general strike took place in Italy on Monday in protest against rearmament policies and in support of Palestinians in Gaza, Anadolu reports.
The strike was organized following a call from the USB union and other civil society groups under the slogan “We block everything.”
Participants opposed rising living costs, increased military spending, and what they described as government priorities favoring armament over healthcare and education.
They also expressed opposition to Israel’s attacks in Gaza and voiced support for the “Global Sumud Flotilla,” a civilian aid initiative attempting to reach the territory.
