Gaza war: Italians stage strike in support of Palestinians

Pro-Palestinian marches gripped Italy's cities on Friday, defying the right-wing government of Giorgia Meloni.

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Large crowds took to the streets of multiple cities amid a growing wave of protest across Europe at Israel's bombardment and blockade of the Gaza Strip.

Italy's Interior Ministry says up to 400,000 protesters came out in total in 29 locations; trade unions claim the number was four times that.

Anger intensified this week when the Israeli military boarded a flotilla of boats full of European politicians and activists and stopped them delivering food and medical aid to Gaza, where UN-backed experts have confirmed famine in Gaza City and its surrounding areas.

Israel dismissed the flotilla as a publicity stunt. There were more than 40 Italians on board.