Italy is bracing for widespread disruption as major unions have called a general strike for Friday in a powerful show of solidarity with an international aid flotilla that was intercepted by the Israeli military. The announcement follows a night of spontaneous protests across Italian cities, signaling a sharp escalation in public anger over the Gaza conflict.
Why Are Italian Unions Calling a Strike?
In response to the Israeli military’s operation against the “Global Sumud Flotilla” (GSF), which includes a sizable Italian presence of activists and civilians, the nation’s largest union, CGIL, called for the strike.
What is the unions’ main grievance?
The CGIL union labeled the interception “an extremely serious matter,” emphasizing that the flotilla consisted of civilian ships carrying Italian citizens. This strike, which smaller unions have pledged to join, is not an isolated event. It follows a previous strike on September 22 that turned violent in Milan, indicating a sustained and growing labor movement in support of Gaza. The grassroots Unione Sindacale di Base (USB) has also called for port blockades, urging protesters to gather in Genoa.
What Happened to the Gaza Aid Flotilla?
Organizers of the flotilla reported that their mission to deliver medicine and food to Gaza was halted as Israeli forces boarded their vessels in international waters.
How did the interception unfold?
According to multiple accounts from people on board, approximately 20 Israeli vessels approached the flotilla on Wednesday night. Organizers stated that their communications were jammed and live-stream cameras were disabled just before the boarding began. They condemned the action as an “illegal interception” by the Israeli Occupation Forces. This was the second confrontation of the day, following an earlier incident where organizers reported a “cyber attack” that disabled navigation systems.
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What was Israel’s response?
The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the boarding. However, the foreign ministry stated that the navy had repeatedly warned the flotilla it was approaching an “active combat zone” and violating a lawful naval blockade. Israel has offered to transfer the aid through established safe channels, a proposal the flotilla has consistently rejected, accusing Israel of using it as a publicity stunt.
What is the Background of the Flotilla Protests?
This maritime aid mission is the latest in a long line of attempts to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza, and it has triggered a strong reaction from Italian civil society.
How have Italian workers been involved?
For the past two weeks, Italian dockworkers have taken independent action by refusing to load or dock vessels they identify as being involved in trade with Israel. This bottom-up activism, combined with the formal power of the major unions, creates a formidable wave of opposition. The flotilla itself carries a high-profile roster of passengers, including parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists like Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.
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Is there a risk of violence?
The situation remains tense. While Italy’s foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, stated he received assurances from Israel that violence would not be used against the activists, the potential for escalation is high. A similar flotilla incident in 2010 resulted in the deaths of nine activists, and last week, this same flotilla was attacked by drones that dropped stun grenades and itching powder. With protests already halting train traffic in Naples and surrounding stations in Rome, the Italian government is facing significant domestic pressure.
