Italian Dockworkers Strike Across Multiple Ports Protesting Arms Shipments to Israel

Italian dockworkers staged strikes and blocked access to ports in Genoa, Livorno, and Ravenna to protest against Italy being used as a transit point for arms shipments to Israel amid the Gaza conflict. These actions, supported by unions and students under the banner 'Let's Block Everything,' led to widespread transport disruptions including delays and cancellations of regional trains and closures of several schools nationwide. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations also erupted in cities like Milan, resulting in clashes with police and the use of tear gas. Protesters expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people, emphasizing dignity and resistance, while waving Palestinian flags at key sites. Despite these protests, Italy's right-wing government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, maintained a pro-Israel stance and downplayed the impact of the strikes, attributing them to far-left union groups. The unrest reflects growing unease within Italy's coalition government over the ongoing military campaign in Gaza.