General Strike in Italy: A Show of Solidarity with Palestine
A general strike called by the country's main trade unions was widely followed, affecting various sectors, including transportation, resulting in delays and cancellations of trains in Rome and elsewhere, disrupting traffic. The crowd took to the streets, train stations, highways, and squares... From Palermo to Stockholm, a single cry: "Free Palestine, Palestine libre." Palestinian flags were everywhere in Italy today; protesters marched in silence, some crying, others embracing each other.
Hundreds of Thousands Take to the Streets
Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets across the peninsula. In Milan, the police counted over 80,000 protesters, describing the mobilization as "extraordinary." Large crowds also marched in Rome, Cagliari, Palermo, Naples, and Turin.
A Call for Liberation
The processions were filled with Palestinian flags, and slogans called for the "Liberation of Palestine" and an immediate end to the conflict. The event is perceived by its initiators as an act of international solidarity and a moral response to the actions taken in Gaza.
A Broad Social Movement
In Palermo, where I am currently located, the mobilization has transcended social categories, bringing together young and old, high school students, university students, retirees, and employees from various sectors.
The Healthcare Sector Joins In
Even the public healthcare sector was affected. Prior to the strike, vigils were organized in many hospitals by the "Sanitari per Gaza" (Healthcare Workers for Gaza) movement to denounce the terrible fate of the population in Gaza and support the flotilla.
The Triggering Event
The triggering event for this wave of protests was the interception and arrest by the Zionist army of the Global Soumoud Flotilla, which was transporting international pacifist militants and humanitarian aid to Gaza. The interception of the flotilla, which carried hundreds of militants (including over 40 Italians, including parliamentarians and MEPs), sparked a wave of anger in Europe and around the world. Four Italian parliamentarians and MEPs, arrested during the interception, were expelled by the Zionist entity on the same day, reviving tensions.
A Heated Debate
The strike movement has generated a lively debate on the Italian political scene, a controversy that is escalating day by day between the government of Giorgia Meloni and the opposition parties.
A Strong Signal from Civil Society
This October 3rd in Italy is a strong signal from civil society, translating a popular will to express itself concretely in favor of Palestine and against actions perceived as violations of international law, such as the interception and arrest of the pacifist militants of the flotilla.
A Call to Action
The people are waking up, after a long period of lethargy. Humanism and solidarity are returning against all injustices and the genocide perpetrated by the Zionist entity in Palestine for decades. The response will come from the people and by the people!
*Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters Professor of Romance Philology President of the Sicily Chair for Dialogue between Cultures and Civilizations President of AISLLI-UNESCO for Africa Head of the Doctoral Program in Italian Studies University of La Manouba 2010 La Manouba University Campus
