Pro-Palestine Protests Spark Violent Clashes, Disruptions Across Italy Including Milan

Violent protests erupted in Milan during a nationwide pro-Palestinian demonstration, with a group of protesters clashing with police at the central train station, causing significant damage and injuries to both officers and civilians. The unrest included attempts to storm the metro station, use of smoke bombs, and setting up barricades, leading to train diversions and police interventions using batons, pepper spray, and tear gas. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence, emphasizing that such acts do not aid the Palestinian cause and will negatively impact Italian citizens. Alongside Milan, strikes and blockades were organized across Italy's major cities and ports, including Genoa and Livorno, where dockworkers protested against Italy being used as a transit point for arms to Israel. Tens of thousands gathered peacefully in Rome and other cities to denounce the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, while the violent incidents were isolated to certain groups within the larger demonstrations. Authorities are working to identify those responsible for the violence amid widespread calls for solidarity with the Palestinian people.