Massive Pro-Palestinian March in Rome Draws Hundreds of Thousands Amid Gaza Crisis

Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators filled the streets of Rome on Saturday, marking the fourth consecutive day of protests in Italy following Israel’s interception of an international flotilla carrying aid to Gaza. Chanting “Free Palestine” and waving flags and banners, protesters marched past the Colosseum in one of the largest demonstrations in Europe since the blockade began. Organizers estimated over one million participants, while police placed the number closer to 250,000.

The protest remained largely peaceful under bright skies, with families, students, and elderly citizens joining together to demand an end to the Gaza siege. “If we don’t all mobilize, nothing will change,” said Francesco Galtieri, a 65-year-old musician from Rome. However, tensions rose when about 200 protesters clashed with police near the St. Mary Major basilica. Officers deployed tear gas and water cannons after vehicles and garbage bins were set ablaze. Authorities reported detaining 12 suspects and recording the identities of 262 people.

The demonstrations reflect growing solidarity with Gaza after Israel blocked the flotilla on Wednesday. Protests have erupted across Europe, but Italy has witnessed daily rallies in multiple cities. On Friday, unions organized a nationwide strike supporting the flotilla, drawing millions, though government estimates suggested around 400,000 participants.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned acts of vandalism linked to the protests, including graffiti defacing a statue of Pope John Paul II. “It’s shameful that people claiming to march for peace insult the memory of a man who dedicated his life to it,” she stated.

Israel’s offensive began after Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attacks that killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Gaza’s health authorities report over 67,000 Palestinian deaths, fueling international criticism and accusations of genocide, which Israel denies.