Italian unions call for general strike after Israeli forces stop Gaza aid flotilla

Italian unions have called for a general strike on Friday, October 3, following an Israeli attack on the Sumud international aid flotilla bound for Gaza.

Protests began late Wednesday in several cities after news that the aid ships were stopped by Israeli military personnel.

In the southern city of Naples, demonstrators entered the main train station, halting train traffic, while in Rome, police cordoned off the Termini train station after protesters gathered near the entrances.

An Italian group is part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), which consists of more than 40 civilian vessels carrying approximately 500 parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists.

The CGIL union called for the strike, stating, “The attack on civilian ships carrying Italian citizens is an extremely serious matter,” and other smaller unions announced they would join.

This announcement follows a general strike held on September 22 by the Unione Sindacale di Base (USB) in support of Gaza and the GSF.

In the northwestern city of Genoa, the USB announced plans to shut down the port, calling on all protesters to gather at one of the main entrances at 10:00 PM.

Over the past two weeks, protesting Italian dockworkers have prevented several ships from docking and loading, targeting vessels alleged to be trading with Israel.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani had previously stated that his Israeli counterpart assured him that the Israeli armed forces would not use violence against the activists on the flotilla.