In Italy, tens of thousands of people took to the streets in several cities to protest against Israel’s actions in the Gaza war, as part of a nationwide strike organized in solidarity with the Palestinian population. The most intense demonstrations were recorded in Milan, where the protest escalated into violent clashes between demonstrators and police forces. According to official reports, at least 60 officers were injured, 23 of whom had to be taken to hospital. 

Police resorted to batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd after a group attempted to force its way into Milan’s central train station. Eyewitnesses reported that many of the protesters were dressed in black, some masked, and hurled stones and bottles at officers. Five people were arrested and charged with resisting state authority and causing serious property damage, while two minors were reported to the juvenile prosecutor’s office in Milan. In the streets, U.S. and EU flags stained with red paint, symbolizing blood, were also carried as part of the protest.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni blamed groups of “self-proclaimed Antifa” and “self-proclaimed pacifists” for provoking the riots, accusing them of seeking confrontation with law enforcement and using violence under the guise of solidarity with Gaza. In Rome, the capital, the demonstration was more peaceful but equally massive: more than 50,000 people gathered to demand that Italy immediately cut ties with Israel and impose sanctions.

The strike was called by the USB (Unione Sindacale di Base) union, which justified the mobilization as a response to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. However, Italy’s main trade unions distanced themselves from the initiative and did not participate in the call, highlighting divisions within the labor movement over the Middle East conflict.