Thousands of Italians took to the streets in a nationwide protest on Friday, expressing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and condemning Israel’s ongoing military actions and blockade. The demonstrations, which spanned 29 cities, saw an estimated 400,000 participants according to the Interior Ministry, though trade unions claimed the number was significantly higher. The protests were fueled by recent events, including Israel’s interception of a European aid flotilla bound for Gaza, where UN experts have confirmed famine conditions in Gaza City and surrounding areas. The flotilla, carrying food and medical supplies, was halted by Israeli forces, who dismissed the mission as a publicity stunt. Over 40 Italians were among those detained. Italy’s hard-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized the protests, labeling the general strike as counterproductive and disruptive to daily life. Her deputy, Matteo Salvini, went further, calling the strike illegal and threatening sanctions. Despite government opposition, protesters rallied behind banners with slogans like ‘Stop the Massacre’ and ‘Hands off the Flotilla!’ In cities such as Milan, Bologna, and Pisa, clashes erupted between demonstrators and police, with tear gas deployed to disperse crowds. In Naples, dockworkers blockaded the port, while in Turin, protesters disrupted railway operations. Similar protests were reported across Europe, from The Hague to Madrid. In Rome, a peaceful march culminated in a brief occupation of a motorway, with participants waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans. Opposition leader Elly Schlein praised the protests, accusing the government of failing to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Meanwhile, Meloni has linked Italy’s recognition of Palestinian statehood to the release of Israeli hostages and the exclusion of Hamas from governance. Political analysts note that the protests reflect growing pressure on the government and a resurgence of left-wing activism in Italy. As the demonstrations continued, four Italian politicians detained on the aid flotilla returned to Rome, greeted by emotional reunions with family and colleagues. Despite the confiscation of the flotilla’s aid, participants hailed the mission as a symbolic victory, offering hope to Gaza’s beleaguered population.