The interception of the flotilla, which included four opposition Italian MPs, has provided a new chance for domestic opponents to influence Meloni. This comes ahead of elections in six Italian regions over the next two months, where left-wing candidates have vowed to highlight Palestinian rights.
Protests are escalating. In Naples, pro-Palestine groups obstructed the train station; in Rome, about 10,000 demonstrators marched toward Meloni’s offices before being halted by police. Additional protests were scheduled for Thursday and Friday. Italy’s largest union, CGIL, quickly called for a general strike on Friday following the flotilla seizure, and dockworkers in Genoa blocked the port’s access gates.
Marco, 30, a speech therapist from Rome, joined the protest with his sister after being inspired by a social media post, stating it is “important to show solidarity with Gaza and the flotilla, and to demonstrate our detachment from the government’s shameful position.”
Zoe, 29, participated in the Rome protest, believing that “governments are looking elsewhere, civil society is on the side of the flotilla.”
Opposition leaders criticized the government on Thursday for its failure to defend Italy against an “illegal” Israeli attack.
In parliament, Elly Schlein, leader of the leftist Democratic Party, questioned why Meloni did not condemn “an act of piracy in international waters.”
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