Tens of Thousands Rally for Peace in Italy

Over 80,000 demonstrators gathered in seven Italian cities for a National Peace Mobilization Day, organized by numerous peace and disarmament groups, including the CGIL union. The rallies, held in response to escalating violence in the Middle East and Ukraine, called for an immediate ceasefire and the restoration of diplomatic dialogue as a means of conflict resolution. In Rome, protesters marched with banners proclaiming 'Let’s stop wars. The time for peace is now!' and urged the Italian government to support a UN-led peace conference. CGIL leader Maurizio Landini emphasized the need for a ceasefire to facilitate negotiations, arguing that wars ultimately fail to resolve disputes. The demonstrations highlighted concerns over civilian casualties in ongoing conflicts and the diminishing role of the United Nations in maintaining peace. Participants expressed a collective desire for a new social and economic model founded on peace and solidarity.