On Monday, September 22, 2025, Italy witnessed a remarkable show of solidarity as thousands of workers and students poured into the streets, joining a nationwide general strike and a wave of demonstrations in support of Palestinians living in Gaza. The protest, which rippled across the country, was organized by grassroots unions and marked the second consecutive day of strike action, following a similar walk-off led by Italy’s largest trade union, the Italian Confederation of Labour (CGIL), on Sunday. The movement disrupted daily life and commerce, highlighting the depth of feeling among Italians over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The 24-hour general strike, called by a coalition of public and private sector unions, brought significant disruption to key services. Public transport ground to a near halt in major cities like Rome and Milan, with trains delayed for hours and buses running on skeleton schedules. Schools and ports were also affected, as educators, dockworkers, and students joined the walkout. According to reports from BBC and Reuters, the strike’s impact was felt most acutely in the country’s vital transport arteries. In Genoa and Livorno—two of Italy’s busiest ports—workers staged sit-ins and rallies, partially blocking the transit of goods and slowing down logistical operations. The country’s economic engine sputtered, if only for a day, as solidarity with Gaza took precedence over the usual rhythms of Italian life.
“The strike is taking place in response to the ongoing genocide in the Gaza Strip, the blockade of humanitarian aid by the Israeli army and the threats against the international Global Sumud Flotilla mission,” declared the USB trade union federation in a statement, as reported by Euronews. The union’s language was forceful, reflecting the anger and frustration felt by many Italians over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. The USB further condemned what it called the “inertia of the Italian government and the European Union, which refuse to impose sanctions on the State of Israel and continue to maintain economic and institutional relations despite the gravity of the situation.”
Monday’s protest was not just a show of union power—it was a broad-based movement that drew in students, teachers, port workers, and ordinary citizens. Organizers in Rome anticipated a turnout of around 100,000 people, a figure that underscores the scale of public engagement. By midday, city authorities reported that approximately 20,000 demonstrators had already gathered in front of Rome’s Termini central train station, with the crowd continuing to swell as the day wore on. The demonstration in the capital was mirrored by similar rallies in cities and towns across Italy, from the industrial north to the rural south.
The context for this wave of activism is Italy’s evolving political stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict. Under the leadership of Premier Giorgia Meloni, the Italian government has recently adopted a harsher tone in its public policies, responding to mounting domestic pressure over the war. However, Italy has stopped short of joining other major European countries, such as France and the United Kingdom, in formally recognizing a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly, which is meeting in New York this week. This hesitancy has drawn criticism from both union leaders and protest organizers, who see official recognition as a crucial step toward peace and justice in the region.
The strike’s timing and breadth were not accidental. Coming on the heels of Sunday’s walk-off, the Monday action was designed to sustain momentum and keep public attention focused on Gaza. The involvement of the CGIL, Italy’s largest trade union, lent considerable weight to the movement. The CGIL’s participation signaled that concern for Gaza transcends traditional political and ideological boundaries, uniting disparate groups under a common cause. According to The Guardian, the union’s decision to back the strike was seen as a significant escalation, amplifying the message of the grassroots organizers and increasing pressure on the government to reconsider its approach.
In practical terms, the strike’s effects were widespread and immediate. Commuters in Rome and Milan faced long waits and crowded platforms as train schedules were thrown into disarray. In Genoa and Livorno, the partial blockage of port operations threatened to ripple through supply chains, potentially affecting everything from food imports to industrial exports. Schools reported high rates of absenteeism as teachers and students joined the protests, and municipal services in several cities operated at reduced capacity.
For many participants, the strike was about more than just foreign policy—it was a statement of values. “We are here because we cannot remain silent in the face of injustice,” said one protester in Rome, echoing the sentiments of thousands of others. The demonstrations were largely peaceful, marked by banners, chants, and a sea of Palestinian flags. Organizers emphasized the importance of nonviolent action and called for continued pressure on both the Italian government and the European Union to take a stronger stand.
Despite the disruption, public reaction was mixed. Some Italians expressed frustration at the inconvenience caused by the strike, particularly those who rely on public transport or work in affected industries. Others voiced support, arguing that the temporary hardship was a small price to pay for drawing attention to a humanitarian crisis. The debate played out on social media and in local cafes, reflecting the complexity of public opinion on the issue.
The Italian government, for its part, has faced a delicate balancing act. Premier Giorgia Meloni’s administration has sought to project strength and resolve, even as it navigates competing pressures at home and abroad. The decision not to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN has been criticized by some as a missed opportunity, while others argue that Italy should prioritize its traditional alliances and economic interests. The government’s recent shift in tone suggests that it is listening to public sentiment, but concrete policy changes have yet to materialize.
The events of September 22, 2025, are a reminder of the enduring power of collective action. When workers, students, and citizens come together, they can disrupt the ordinary course of events and force difficult questions onto the national agenda. Whether the strike will lead to lasting policy changes remains to be seen, but for one day at least, the voices of solidarity with Gaza echoed across Italy’s cities and towns, refusing to be ignored.
