Tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators took to the streets of multiple Italian cities on Monday, clashing with police and disrupting traffic, to protest Israel’s military actions in Gaza and the far-right government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for not formally recognising a Palestinian state. The demonstrations were part of a nationwide strike, dubbed “Let’s Block Everything”, called by trade unions in response to the escalating violence in Gaza.

In Milan, riot police used tear gas to disperse crowds at the central train station after protesters, some clad in black and waving Palestinian flags, smashed windows and threw objects at officers. Over 60 police personnel were reported injured, and authorities arrested more than ten individuals during the clashes.

Dockworkers in key ports, including Venice, Genoa, Livorno, and Trieste, staged protests to prevent Italy from serving as a hub for weapons and supplies destined for Israel. At the Venice port, police deployed water cannons to break up the demonstrations, while in Bologna, protesters blocked a highway, clashing with authorities before being dispersed. Rome saw large crowds blocking a major ring road, chanting slogans such as “Free Palestine” and “Let’s Block Everything”. In Naples, protesters briefly forced their way into the main railway station, causing disruptions to train services.

Prime Minister Meloni condemned the unrest, calling the violence “outrageous” and insisting that the destruction would not affect the situation in Gaza. In a post on X, she criticised those responsible for attacks on property and clashes with police, while urging organisers of the strike and political parties to denounce the violent actions.

Despite Italy’s recent UN vote supporting Palestinian statehood, Meloni has stopped short of formal recognition. Meanwhile, supporters of Palestinian rights stressed solidarity, with grassroots groups like Genoa’s Autonomous Port Workers’ Collective calling the protests an act of moral support for Palestinians facing violence.

As other nations, including the UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, and France, move to formally recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly, tensions remain high in Italy, highlighting the delicate balance between activism, public order, and international diplomacy.