Violent pro-Palestinian protests sweep Italy—rioters attack police, block ports and railways—while Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemns the chaos and reaffirms Italy’s support for Israel.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrations across Italy spiraled into chaos and violence on Monday, as radical activists clashed with police in multiple cities during a nationwide strike called by trade unions.
Tens of thousands gathered in Rome, blocking a major ring road and rallying near the main train station. In Milan, rioters smashed windows, hurled chairs, and attacked police officers at the central station, forcing police to deploy tear gas. Italy’s ANSA news agency reported more than 10 arrests and confirmed that around 60 officers were injured in the violence.
In Venice, Genoa, Livorno, and Trieste, dockworkers attempted to block ports—claiming they were targeting arms shipments to Israel—prompting police to deploy water cannons to restore order. Naples saw protesters storm railway tracks, disrupting train services, while activists in Bologna temporarily blocked a motorway before police cleared the scene.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly condemned the unrest, declaring: “This destruction has nothing to do with solidarity.” She warned that rioters would face serious consequences, stressing that her government remains firmly supportive of Israel and will not bow to pressure to recognize a Palestinian state.
The violent protests underline how pro-Palestinian groups in Europe are increasingly resorting to intimidation and disruption, while Israel continues to fight Hamas terrorists in Gaza. Italy’s leadership, however, remains clear: violence will not dictate foreign policy, and Israel will not be abandoned.
