Italy Gets Affected by Nationwide Strike Protesting Gaza Genocide

(MENAFN) Italy is experiencing widespread disruptions today as a general strike is underway in response to the ongoing crisis in Gaza, affecting key sectors including transportation, schools, and public services, according to a news agency.

The strike, which commenced at midnight and is expected to continue through late Monday, was organized by grassroots unions to protest the situation in Gaza. Demonstrations have erupted in major cities such as Genoa, Livorno, Milan, Rome, and Bologna, causing significant disruptions across Italy.

Among the hardest-hit sectors are local public transport, railways, schools, public services, and ports, all of which are facing delays or shutdowns. The USB union has called for Italy to sever all diplomatic ties with Israel, stating that it is the country’s "concrete way" to respond to what they describe as the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Protesters have taken action across Italy: in Genoa and Livorno, port operations were halted; university lectures were disrupted in Bologna; and in Milan, demonstrators marched to show support for a Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla. Additionally, train services in Rome were canceled, and the M4 metro line in Milan was shut down.

Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, expressed solidarity with the protestors, saying via X: "In Italy, the general strike has shut down train lines, ports, highways, schools & shops. With a genocide ongoing, there can be NO business as usual. Stay peaceful, everyone. Do not react to any provocation. Freedom for all allows no mistakes."

The violence in Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, has led to the deaths of nearly 65,300 Palestinians, the majority of whom are women and children, according to reports.

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