Protests continue against Israeli aid boats being held hostage and volunteers being arrested
Anjum Iqbal, Daily Dawn, Dawn TV report
Italy: Millions take to the streets in Italy against Israel taking aid boats to Gaza hostage
About 2 million people participated in a one-day general strike and protests by Italy’s largest labor union, CGIL, across the country.
The demonstrations were against Israel’s blocking of the “Resistance Flotilla” convoy of aid boats to Palestine and the ongoing heavy bombing of Gaza.
Millions of people marched in all major cities across the country with slogans such as “Free Palestine, stop the war, down with Israeli aggression.”
According to police in Rome, 80,000 people took to the streets, while organizers put the number at 300,000.
In Milan, the number of protesters is also estimated to be between 80,000 and 100,000, in which strong slogans against Israel were raised.
Similarly, processions were also taken out in more than 100 cities, including Turin, Genoa, Naples, Bologna and Florence.
Protesters blocked roads, rail lines and airports. There were also clashes with police when some protesters blocked the highway.
Due to which protesters entered the runway at Pisa airport, flights were suspended for some time.
It should be noted that the Israeli navy had taken hostage 43 boats of the Global Resistance Flotilla and arrested 500 volunteers on board on Wednesday and Thursday.
Of the arrested social activists, 40 were from Italy, of whom 4 were initially deported by Israel and sent back to their homeland.
Israel claims the flotilla is affiliated with Hamas, but protesters say the move is tantamount to tightening the brutal blockade imposed on Gaza.
Elie Schlein, leader of Italy’s opposition Democratic Party, said the flotilla was doing what Europe should have done, which is to break the Israeli siege and deliver aid to the people of Gaza.
He demanded that Italy, like Spain, impose an arms embargo on Israel and immediately recognize Palestine.
It should be noted that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had previously described the flotilla as a “dangerous and irresponsible” move, which has sparked a public backlash.
It should be remembered that the Israeli bombing of Gaza has so far killed thousands of people and displaced millions, while food and medicine shortages have reached the worst levels.
According to human rights groups, Israel’s siege and military operations are tantamount to collective punishment, directly affecting two million besieged Palestinians.
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