Rome – An estimated 250,000 to one million people flooded the streets of Rome on Saturday, demonstrating solidarity with Palestinians and protesting against the Italian government’s stance, according to figures from police and organizers respectively. The massive turnout followed the interception Wednesday of a flotilla attempting to reach Gaza, carrying approximately forty Italian activists.
The exhibition, mobilized by pro-Palestinian organizations, student groups, and left-leaning political and union factions, saw chants of “Free, free Palestine” echoing through the city. A young communist activist, addressing the crowd, announced, “our comrades are at Tel Aviv airport. They will be in Fiumicino tonight. Long live the Palestinian resistance!”
Italy has witnessed growing mobilization in support of the Palestinian cause in recent months. The interception of the Gaza-bound flotilla ignited further outrage and spurred immediate protests across the country. On Friday, the major CGIL union, backed by various political parties, joined the wave of demonstrations.
