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UPDATE: Italian unions call nationwide strike after Gaza flotilla detentions

02.10.2025 14:14
Italian trade unions have announced a nationwide 24-hour general strike in both the public and private sectors, starting on Thursday evening at 21:00 local time (19:00 GMT).
Demonstrators shout slogans including Stop the genocide during a rally in Rome, Italy, on 1 October 2025, in solidarity with the Palestinian people and the Global Sumud Flotilla, following recent detentions by Israel. Italians have announced another strike, scheduled to begin on 2 October after 9 p.m.
Demonstrators shout slogans including “Stop the genocide” during a rally in Rome, Italy, on 1 October 2025, in solidarity with the Palestinian people and the Global Sumud Flotilla, following recent detentions by Israel. Italians have announced another strike, scheduled to begin on 2 October after 9 p.m.Photo: ALESSANDRO DI MEO/PAP/EPA

The move comes after Israel’s navy detained the Global Sumud Flotilla - an international convoy carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza that set sail in August 2025 to challenge the Israeli blockade.

Among those held are four Polish citizens, including MP Franciszek Sterczewski, as well as other international activists.

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini has threatened to ban the strike, pointing out that Italian law requires at least ten days’ notice for such nationwide protests. However, analysts say a government ban is unlikely, as it could trigger widespread unrest.

On Wednesday evening, demonstrations in support of the flotilla took place across dozens of Italian cities, with further protests held the following day and more expected later.

Protesters set a fire to blockade the port gates of San Benigno, in the port city Genova, Italy, 02 October 2025. Protests continue across Italy, after the Israeli forces' intercepted several vessels part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), and those aboard were being transferred to an Israeli port. Photo: LUCA ZENNARO/PAP/EPA Protesters set a fire to blockade the port gates of San Benigno, in the port city Genova, Italy, 02 October 2025. Protests continue across Italy, after the Israeli forces' intercepted several vessels part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), and those aboard were being transferred to an Israeli port. Photo: LUCA ZENNARO/PAP/EPA

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized both the maritime convoy and the strike, arguing that neither brings any tangible benefit to Palestinians while causing significant disruption for Italians and the government. She described the strike in Italy as "pointless."

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Source: IAR/X/@TheCradleMedia