Tens of thousands marched on Monday, September 22, across Italy to “condemn the genocide in Gaza.” In Rome, more than 20,000 people took part, according to the prefecture, including many high school students waving Palestinian flags. Protests were also held in Milan, Bologna, Turin, Florence, as well as in Genoa and Livorno, where dockworkers blocked port terminals.

In Milan, clashes broke out between protesters and police near the central train station. Dozens of protesters hurled projectiles – stones, chairs and more – at police and managed to enter the station before being pushed back by law enforcement using tear gas.

The protests coincided with the day France and several other countries were set to recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly, following similar moves by the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and Portugal on Sunday. But Italy − which has taken a very cautious stance − has refused to join this initiative.

The ultra-conservative government of Giorgia Meloni, who is ideologically aligned with US President Donald Trump, has said it does not wish to recognize the State of Palestine “for the moment” and has been reluctant to support trade sanctions proposed by the European Union, even though the Italian prime minister has repeatedly expressed her “concern” about Israel’s ground offensive.

Protesters call for an end to arms deliveries to Israel, in Venice, Italy, on September 22, 2025. Protesters call for an end to arms deliveries to Israel, in Venice, Italy, on September 22, 2025. MICHELE LAPINI / REUTERS During the demonstrations in solidarity with Gaza in front of the port of Genoa, Italy, on September 22, 2025. During the demonstrations in solidarity with Gaza in front of the port of Genoa, Italy, on September 22, 2025. MATTEO MINNELLA / REUTERS Students take part in the general strike organized by the Unione sindacale di base in Turin, Italy, on September 22, 2025. Students take part in the general strike organized by the Unione sindacale di base in Turin, Italy, on September 22, 2025. MARCO BERTORELLO / AFP During the protest organized by the Unione sindacale di base in Turin, on September 22, 2025. During the protest organized by the Unione sindacale di base in Turin, on September 22, 2025. MARCO BERTORELLO / AFP In Rome, on September 22, 2025. In Rome, on September 22, 2025. ALESSANDRA TARANTINO / AP Near the port of Genoa, activists called for an end to arms deliveries to Israel, on September 22, 2025. Near the port of Genoa, activists called for an end to arms deliveries to Israel, on September 22, 2025. MATTEO MINNELLA / REUTERS Activists demand an end to arms deliveries to Israel, in Genoa, Italy, on September 22, 2025. Activists demand an end to arms deliveries to Israel, in Genoa, Italy, on September 22, 2025. MATTEO MINNELLA / REUTERS Protesters wave Unione sindacale di base flags and hold a "Block Everything!" banner during a strike in Turin on September 22, 2025. Protesters wave Unione sindacale di base flags and hold a “Block Everything!” banner during a strike in Turin on September 22, 2025. MARCO BERTORELLO / AFP In Milan, on September 22, 2025. In Milan, on September 22, 2025. CLAUDIA GRECO / REUTERS In Milan, on September 22, 2025. In Milan, on September 22, 2025. PIERO CRUCIATTI / AFP