Italy Nationwide Strike, Protests Turn Violent

A nationwide 24-hour strike and day of action in Italy, called by grassroots unions including USB and CUB, drew tens of thousands to protests denouncing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and demanding an end to arms transfers and a break in ties with Israel. Major rallies included about 20,000 at Rome’s Termini, organizers said up to 50,000 in Milan, and more than 10,000 in Bologna, while dockworkers staged sit-ins in Genoa, Livorno, Trieste and Venice that slowed goods movement. In Milan a group of demonstrators stormed the central station, smashing windows, burning a US flag and clashing with riot police, who used tear gas, pepper spray and water cannon. Authorities reported roughly 60 police injured and multiple arrests. The protests disrupted transport, schools and ports nationwide and coincided with UN General Assembly diplomacy as several countries moved to recognize a Palestinian state. Italy's right‑wing government under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence and warned of consequences for those responsible.