Pro-Palestinian Protests Block Italian Ports, Clashes Erupt in Milan

Across Italy, tens of thousands protested against Israel's Gaza offensive with significant clashes occurring in Milan where police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators who damaged property and confronted officers, resulting in arrests and injuries. Trade unions called for a nationwide strike, leading dockworkers to block key ports including Genoa, Livorno, Trieste, and Venice to prevent Italy from becoming a transit hub for arms shipments to Israel. The protests also caused transport disruptions in major cities such as Rome, Bologna, and Naples, with some schools closing due to the strikes. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence, emphasizing that such actions would harm Italian citizens and reaffirmed her government's support for Israel, explicitly ruling out recognition of a Palestinian state. Protesters expressed solidarity with Palestinians, highlighting the conflict's humanitarian impact and seeking diplomatic and economic pressure on Israel. These demonstrations coincided with a broader international context of countries recognizing Palestine at the UN, a step Italy has not yet taken.