Italian Workers Stage Nationwide Strike in Solidarity with Gaza

Italian workers' strike in solidarity with Gaza brings disruptions across the country.

Thousands of workers and students across Italy walked off their jobs on Monday, joining a nationwide strike and demonstrations in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The action, called by grassroots unions, brought significant disruptions to public transport, schools, and ports in major cities including Rome, Milan, Genoa, and Livorno.

Dockworkers in Genoa and Livorno blocked access to ports, slowing the movement of goods and staging sit-ins to protest what they described as Italy’s complicity in the ongoing war. Train services faced widespread delays, while buses and trams in several cities ran on limited schedules. Schools and universities also saw closures as students joined the rallies.

Union leaders said the strike was a response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and criticized the Italian government and the European Union for refusing to impose sanctions on Israel. Demonstrators in Rome gathered outside Termini station, waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans, with turnout estimates ranging from 20,000 to 100,000 people.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, a strong supporter of Israel within Europe, has faced growing domestic pressure as the conflict continues. While countries such as France and the UK prepare to formally recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly, Italy has so far declined to follow suit.

The strike marked the second consecutive day of coordinated action, underscoring the determination of Italian unions and activists to keep Gaza at the center of Italy’s political debate.