Large crowds and altercations with police during the fourth day of pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Italy
For the fourth consecutive day of protests in Italy since Israel seized activists from an international flotilla that was attempting to deliver supplies to Gaza, hundreds of thousands of people marched through the heart of Rome on Saturday.
In a march that organisers claimed drew over a million participants, police estimated that the number was closer to 250,000. Participants carried banners and flags and marched past the Colosseum while screaming “Free Palestine” and other slogans.
Rome-based singer Francesco Galtieri, 65, stated, “I’m here with a lot of other friends because I think it is important for us all to mobilise individually.” “If we don’t all mobilise, then nothing will change.”
Students, kids, and senior citizens attended the peaceful demonstration in the sunny sunshine. Anti-Israeli slogans and at least one poster praising Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel were also there.
About 200 individuals separated from the march towards its conclusion and engaged in combat with riot-garbed police officers close to the St. Mary Major basilica, according to authorities. Officers used water cannons and tear gas in response.
Police said they arrested 12 suspects and took down the names of 262 people when protestors later set fire to a few cars and multiple trash cans and threw firecrackers at officers.
SOLIDARITY OF FLOTILLA
Protests have broken out around Europe and other areas of the world since Israel began halting the flotilla late on Wednesday, but in Italy, they have taken place every day and in several locations.
Over two million people attended protests across the nation on Friday after unions called for a nationwide strike in support of the flotilla, according to organisers. About 400,000 people were expected to attend, according to the Interior Ministry.
The demonstrations have drawn criticism from Italy’s right-wing government.
Outside Rome’s main train station, where pro-Palestinian activists have been conducting a protest picket, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Saturday accused demonstrators of defamatory graffiti that was found on a statue of the late Pope John Paul II.
“They denigrate the memory of a man who was a real peace builder and protector while claiming to be heading to the streets for peace. “A disgraceful deed by individuals who are ideologically blind,” she stated in a statement.
After Hamas militants carried out a cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, killing almost 1,200 people and capturing 251 hostage, according to Israeli estimates, Israel began its offensive in Gaza.
According to Gaza health officials, Israel’s offensive has now killed over 67,000 Palestinians and subjected Israel to genocide charges, which the nation has vehemently denied.