Rome: Over 200,000 people protested across Italy Friday as they downed tools in support of the Gaza aid flotilla in a strike that caused widespread disruption.

Demonstrators condemned the treatment of the Global Sumud Flotilla that sailed to challenge Israel's blockade of Gaza, where the United Nations has reported famine conditions after nearly two years of war.

The Italian strike, called by the USB and CGIL unions, followed demonstrations Thursday in cities across the world, including Milan and Rome, where some 10,000 people marched from the Colosseum.

Protesters marched again Friday in Rome, setting off from the vast plaza outside the central train station of Termini, where services were cancelled or delayed.

Among the crowd -- estimated at least 80,000 by police -- was Giordano Fioramonti, 19, protesting along with other youngsters, university students, and professors.

"It's also our civic duty to show how angry and unhappy we are with what is happening in the world, with our government, to show our support for the flotilla, especially for Palestine, for the Gazans who are being killed, tortured and massacred," Fioramonti told AFP.

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