A massive general strike called by grassroots trade unions in support of Gaza is underway throughout Italy, with many sectors including railways, ports, local public transport, schools and public services taking part.
Workers downed tools at midnight on Sunday 21 September and the strike is expected to last until Monday at 11pm.
The USB (Unione Sindacale di Base) union, which launched the action, called for “the immediate break-off of relations with the terrorist state of Israel, which is the concrete way in which Italy can, and must, react to the genocide that is taking place”.
The USB says there are more than 60 demonstrations planned on Monday, calling the numbers “unprecedented in Italy”. Actions are taking place in Rome, Milan, Bologna, Naples and Genoa, with more demos including sit-ins planned in Turin, Florence, Ancona, Bari and Palermo.
According to local media, queues formed at the ports of Genoa and Livorno as pro-Palestinian protesters restricted access. In Rome, regional train services were cancelled or severely delayed, while in Milan the M4 metro line was closed. In Bologna, students have reportedly halted lessons at the city’s university by blocking entry to lecture halls.
The Union of Basic Trade Unions said: “On 22 September everyone will be able to take to the streets to break all collaboration with the state of Israel, to defend Gaza and stop the genocide, to say no to the race for rearmament and war, alongside the Global Sumud Flotilla that has started in these hours. Let's block everything, with Palestine in our hearts.”
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which includes Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and Novara Media’s Kieran Andrieu, is currently en route to Gaza to attempt to break Israel’s illegal siege on the territory, carrying essential aid including baby formula and flour.
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