Italian unions have called for a general strike on Friday in solidarity with the Global Freedom Flotilla, while protests erupted in several cities on Wednesday evening after ships were intercepted by the Israeli navy. In the southern city of Naples, protesters stormed the main railway station and halted train traffic, while police surrounded Rome’s Termini train station after protesters gathered near the entrances.

The flotilla, which includes more than 40 civilian ships carrying around 500 parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists, also includes an Italian contingent. The flotilla attempted to break the Israeli blockade on Gaza by delivering medicines and food, despite repeated warnings from Israel to turn back.

The CGIL union stated that “the attack on civilian ships carrying Italian citizens is extremely serious,” and called for the strike, which some smaller unions have also joined. This announcement follows a previous general strike supporting Gaza organized by the USB labor union on September 22, which saw violence in Milan.

In the northwestern city of Genoa, the USB union called on all protesters to gather at 10 PM GMT at one of the main entrances. Over the past two weeks, protesting workers have prevented the docking and loading of several ships, targeting those believed to be involved in trade with Israel.

Earlier, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said his Israeli counterpart assured him that the Israeli armed forces would not use violence against activists on board the flotilla, in an attempt to ease tensions surrounding this humanitarian initiative.

Reuters