Anti-Israel protesters disrupted train stations across Italy, blocking tracks in solidarity with the Global Sumud Flotilla, intercepted by the Israeli Navy earlier this week. The demonstrations, part of a wave of European unrest following the flotilla’s detention—including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg—saw hundreds storm Milan’s central station, clashing with police and vandalizing property. Italy’s largest unions, CGIL and USB, called a general strike, with dockworkers vowing to halt ports in Genoa, Livorno, and Trieste. Protesters demanded an end to Israel’s “genocide in Gaza” and the flotilla’s release, accusing the government of complicity.

The flotilla, comprising 41 ships with 400 activists, was halted in international waters, with Israel citing a legal naval blockade to prevent Hamas arms smuggling. The GSF denounced the action as piracy, claiming 13 explosions near their vessels. In Italy, the protests turned violent, with police deploying tear gas amid chants of “Free Palestine.” The government condemned the disruption, but critics argue Italy’s arms sales to Israel fuel the outrage.