Protests Across Italy After Flotilla Intercepted

Rome: Protests continued in many parts of Italy on Thursday after spontaneous demonstrations were held in several cities late on Wednesday after Israeli forces started to occupy boats involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla. Around 10,000 people took part in a march in Rome on Wednesday, when protesters occupied the tracks at the train stations in Naples and Pisa. There were also scenes of tension in Milan, in Piazza della Scala, and in Turin. Students continued sit-ins and occupations of schools and university faculties on Thursday. Milan’s Università Statale institute, the literature faculty at Rome’s La Sapienza University and humanities at Turin University were among those affected.

According to Ansa News Agency, the USB and CGIL trade unions have announced a general strike will take place on Friday with demonstrations planned across the country. “The Global Sumud Flotilla has been attacked, general strike on October 3, Israel attacks international law,” said USB. “Now is the time to block everything.” The
USB also called a national strike over Gaza last week with protests involving an estimated 500,000 people in 80 cities. These protests were marred by violent clashes involving some 100 extremists in Milan, which resulted in injuries to 60 police officers. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini stated he is prepared to forbid the strike scheduled for this Friday.