General Strike Paralyzes Italy in Protest of Israeli Actions in Gaza

Italy is facing a widespread general strike today, called by the USB union and supported by several others, which has brought key sectors like ports, airports, and schools to a halt. This action is not only a protest against domestic policies but also a powerful show of solidarity with the Palestinian people in Gaza and a rejection of the Italian government's stance.

According to the Italian newspaper "Il Giornale," the strike carries a dual message: a defense of workers' rights and social justice within Italy, and a condemnation of the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza. Protesters marched in over 60 Italian cities, raising slogans like "Freedom for Palestine" and "Everything must stop... Palestine is in our hearts."

The unions initiated the strike to protest against what they call a "genocide in Palestine," the arming of Israel, and the lack of concrete action to disassociate from the "horrific crimes" committed by the occupation. They also expressed unconditional support for the "Global Flotilla of Resilience" mission, which aims to deliver humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people.

Economist and intellectual Luciano Vasapollo described Palestine as a "symbol of global resistance against imperialism and wild capitalism," emphasizing that protests in Italy for Gaza are also a defense of the rights of exploited domestic groups. He stressed that strategic locations like ports can disrupt the "chain of death" by blocking the passage of weapons shipments to conflict zones, recalling the historical role of workers in stopping wars.