Rome: Rome witnessed a massive outpouring of pro-Palestinian sentiment on Saturday, marking the fourth consecutive day of demonstrations across Italy. Thousands of activists filled the streets around the Colosseum, waving Palestinian flags, chanting slogans such as “Free Palestine,” and calling for international attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Organizers had hoped the march would attract up to one million participants, reflecting the depth of public concern over recent events in the region.
The protests were sparked by Israel’s interception of an international flotilla attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Activists aboard the flotilla were detained, prompting immediate outrage and demonstrations not only in Italy but across Europe. “I’m here with a lot of other friends because I think it is important for us all to mobilize individually,” said Francesco Galtieri, a 65-year-old musician from Rome. “If we don’t all mobilize, then nothing will change.”
Italy has experienced daily protests since Wednesday, spreading to multiple cities, with Friday seeing a general strike called by unions in solidarity with the flotilla. Organizers estimated that over two million people participated in various demonstrations nationwide, while the Italian Interior Ministry placed the figure at roughly 400,000.
The Italian government, led by right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has criticized the protests. Meloni suggested that some citizens might be using the Gaza crisis as a pretext for an extended weekend. She also condemned graffiti that appeared on a statue of the late Pope John Paul II outside Rome’s main train station, describing the act as “shameful” and claiming that protesters were “blinded by ideology.”
The backdrop of these demonstrations is Israel’s ongoing military offensive in Gaza, launched in response to a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and 251 hostages, according to Israeli sources. Since then, Gaza health authorities report more than 66,000 Palestinian deaths, drawing international accusations of potential genocide, which Israel strongly rejects.
As protests continue across Italy and Europe, the demonstrations underscore widespread concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and a growing call for global intervention to address the crisis.