Italian labour unions have called for a general strike on Friday, October 3, 2025, in solidarity with the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF). This is a humanitarian convoy intercepted by Israeli military vessels on October 1. The flotilla comprises over 40 civilian boats and carries approximately 500 activists, parliamentarians, and lawyers, including Italians. It aims to deliver essential food and medicine to Gaza, challenging Israel’s 18-year naval blockade.
The interception has sparked widespread anger in Italy, where public support for Israel’s Gaza policies is low. Only 9% of Italians view its actions as justified, according to recent polls. The blockade has worsened Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, contributing to over 66,100 deaths since October 2023, as reported by UN investigators.
On October 1, protests swept through Italy’s major cities. In Naples, demonstrators occupied the central railway station, halting train services and prompting a strong police presence. In Rome, crowds gathered near the entrances of Termini station, leading to police cordons as tensions rose.
✊ Pro-Palestinian activists held protests in Milan, Italy, after Israeli forces attacked the Global Sumud Flotilla
👉 Italian trade unions have called a nationwide general strike for Oct. 3 https://t.co/J6T9hXlbUi pic.twitter.com/rLixODj4an
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) October 2, 2025In Genoa, the Unione Sindacale di Base (USB) announced plans to block the port. They are calling for protesters to assemble at 10 p.m. local time at a main entrance. This follows two weeks of dockworker actions in Genoa, Trieste, and Livorno. There, workers blocked ships suspected of trading with Israel, showcasing labour’s role in the solidarity movement.
Social media posts on X amplified the protests, with users stating, “Italy’s CGIL calls for a general strike to defend the Gaza flotilla carrying aid,” and “Protests across Italy demand an end to the Gaza blockade.”
The Confederazione Generale Italiana del Lavoro (CGIL), Italy’s largest union, described the interception as “an extremely serious matter.” This is due to the involvement of Italian citizens on the flotilla. CGIL leader Maurizio Landini stressed the strike’s aim to oppose the blockade. He also advocates for Palestinian recognition. Smaller unions, including USB, joined the October 3 action. They had led a disruptive strike on September 22 that saw clashes in Milan.
Over 750,000 Italian dockworkers launched the largest #strike in solidarity with #Palestine on Sept 22, demanding an end to trade with Israel over the genocide in #Gaza #Italy later announced it will deploy naval ship to support the #globalsumudflottilla heading to Gaza pic.twitter.com/3WtmtmnWMf
— In Context (@incontextmedia) September 26, 2025The September strike was part of the “Let’s Block Everything” campaign. It shut down ports and roads in over 70 cities, protesting Italy’s perceived role in the Gaza conflict through trade with Israel. Genoa’s dockworkers, now aligned with USB, vowed to escalate actions if the flotilla faced harm.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said his Israeli counterpart assured him that no violence would be used against flotilla activists. Italy’s Defence Ministry deployed the frigate Virginio Fasan to protect nationals, though its escort ends 150 nautical miles from Gaza.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration has faced backlash for its stance on Gaza. Meloni labelled protesters “hooligans,” arguing their actions harm Gaza’s cause, while Minister Matteo Salvini dismissed the strikes as “far-left” agitation. Despite this, unions remain committed to pressing for humanitarian access.
