Italian labor unions have launched a sweeping general strike on Friday, October 3, 2025, in a bold show of solidarity with the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF)—a humanitarian convoy intercepted by Israeli military vessels just two days prior. The strike, which follows months of mounting tension and activism, comes amid a growing tide of public anger in Italy over Israel’s ongoing blockade of Gaza and the humanitarian crisis it has deepened.
The GSF, made up of more than 40 civilian boats and carrying approximately 500 activists, parliamentarians, and lawyers—including a significant Italian contingent—set out with a clear mission: to deliver essential food and medicine to Gaza, directly challenging Israel’s 18-year naval blockade. According to reports from the Global Sumud Flotilla, the fleet encountered “active aggression” from Israeli navy forces on the morning of October 2. The Florida vessel was deliberately rammed at sea, while other boats, including Yulara and Meteque, were targeted with water cannons. Despite these tactics, all passengers on board emerged unharmed, the Flotilla confirmed in a Telegram post.
The interception of the convoy sparked widespread outrage across Italy, where public support for Israel’s Gaza policies has reached a low ebb—recent polls indicate that only 9% of Italians view Israel’s actions as justified. The United Nations reports that the blockade has contributed to over 66,100 deaths in Gaza since October 2023, further fueling the sense of urgency among activists and the broader public.
Protests erupted in major Italian cities on October 1, with demonstrators in Naples occupying the central railway station and bringing train services to a halt. Police responded with a strong presence, attempting to contain the swelling crowds. In Rome, similar scenes unfolded near the entrances of Termini station, where large groups gathered and police established cordons as tensions mounted. Genoa, too, became a focal point for action: the Unione Sindacale di Base (USB) announced plans to block the port, calling on protesters to assemble at 10 p.m. local time at a main entrance. This move follows two weeks of dockworker-led actions in Genoa, Trieste, and Livorno, where workers blocked ships suspected of trading with Israel—demonstrating labor’s pivotal role in the solidarity movement.
Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), have amplified the protests, with posts declaring, “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 Israeli interception as “an extremely serious matter” due to the involvement of Italian citizens. CGIL leader Maurizio Landini emphasized that the strike’s goal was to oppose the blockade and advocate for the recognition of Palestinian statehood. Smaller unions, including USB, joined the October 3 action, building on momentum from a disruptive strike on September 22 that saw clashes in Milan.
The September 22 strike, part of the “Let’s Block Everything” campaign, was itself a watershed moment. According to reports, about a million people participated in protests across more than 80 towns and cities, as left-wing unions went on strike in solidarity with Palestine. Thousands of dockworkers and supporters shut port entrances in Genoa, Salerno, Venice, and Livorno, aiming to halt all exports to Israel. Transport workers halted buses and metro lines nationwide, while protesters blocked train stations and some schools and universities closed their doors. At Livorno, activists successfully prevented a US-flagged vessel arriving from Israel, loaded with equipment and vehicles for the US’s Camp Darby, from unloading—a feat described by activist Leonardo as a “permanent protest to prevent it from docking.”
This was the fifth major strike for Palestine in Italy since October 2023, each organized in collaboration with Palestinian activists. Dockworkers in Genoa and unions such as USB and SI Cobas have repeatedly taken action to block arms shipments to Israel. In June 2025, workers intervened against a ZIM ship attempting to transport 14 tonnes of ammunition parts to Israel, following similar action by French workers. Last month, dockworkers in Ravenna stopped the shipment of two containers of explosives to Israel, further illustrating the power that unionized labor can wield in international solidarity campaigns.
The Global Sumud Flotilla itself is the largest civilian effort to break Israel’s siege on Gaza, comprising at least 44 vessels with participants from 45 countries—including around ten Australians. As the flotilla neared Gaza, it faced continual drone attacks from Israel, raising the stakes for both the activists on board and their supporters around the world. Italy, alongside Spain, dispatched naval ships to assist the flotilla, aiming to protect it from attack in international waters—territory supposedly protected under international law. Italy’s Defense Ministry deployed the frigate Virginio Fasan to safeguard its nationals, though the escort was set to end 150 nautical miles from Gaza.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration has faced mounting criticism for its stance on Gaza. Meloni, previously a hardline supporter of Israel, has softened her opposition to recognizing a Palestinian state amid widespread public disgust at Israel’s actions. Nevertheless, she denounced the Sumud Flotilla as “dangerous and irresponsible” and labeled protesters “hooligans,” arguing that their actions ultimately harm Gaza’s cause. Minister Matteo Salvini dismissed the strikes as “far-left agitation.” Despite these rebukes from the highest levels of government, Italian unions remain resolute in pressing for humanitarian access to Gaza and for a reevaluation of Italy’s trade and diplomatic ties with Israel.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that his Israeli counterpart assured him no violence would be used against flotilla activists—a promise that, in light of the reported ramming and water cannon attacks, has done little to quell public concern. The Italian government’s decision to send naval support, while limited in scope, signals a recognition of the gravity of the crisis and the political risks of ignoring widespread domestic opposition to the Gaza blockade.
The momentum in Italy is echoed elsewhere in Europe and beyond. In Berlin, the largest ever protest for Palestine drew 100,000 marchers, while Greek workers are preparing for a general strike for Palestine on October 10. The movement is also gaining traction in Australia, where unions and peak bodies like Victorian Trades Hall have begun organizing contingents for Palestine protests, seeking to build pressure for sanctions on Israel.
As the Global Sumud Flotilla edges ever closer to Gaza, the world watches with bated breath. The convergence of labor activism, humanitarian advocacy, and international diplomacy has thrust Italy to the forefront of the struggle for Palestinian rights. For many, the general strike and the flotilla’s perilous journey represent not just a challenge to a naval blockade, but a broader demand for justice, solidarity, and the protection of human life.
