Italy Nationwide Strike Disrupts Transport Demands Gaza Sanctions

On Monday, Italy experienced a widespread general strike and protests across multiple cities, called by grassroots unions and student groups in solidarity with Gaza. The strike affected many sectors including public transport, railways, schools, public services, and ports, causing significant disruptions such as long train delays and limited public transit in major cities like Rome and Milan. Protesters demanded an immediate break-off of relations with Israel and sanctions against the country, condemning the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Demonstrations saw tens of thousands of participants, with notable events near Rome's Termini station, Milan's US consulate, and blockades at the ports of Genoa and Livorno. The strike also included acts of civil disobedience such as blocking highways, halting university lessons, and attacks on defense company facilities. Despite the disruption, Italy's largest national unions did not participate in the strike, which was led primarily by grassroots and local unions.