Massive Demonstrations in Rome Against Gaza Conflict
Tens of thousands gather to call for an end to military actions in Gaza, criticizing the Italian government's response.
ROME: Tens of thousands of demonstrators filled the streets of Rome on Saturday to protest the ongoing conflict in Gaza, amidst accusations directed at Italy’s right-wing government for its perceived silence on the issue.
Protest organizers claimed that as many as 300,000 individuals participated, showcasing a blend of rainbow, Palestinian, and various political party flags as they marched peacefully through the city center.
A prominent banner bearing the message “Stop the massacre, stop complicity!” was displayed at the forefront of the demonstration, which attracted a wide array of participants, including families with children.
Elly Schlein, leader of Italy’s center-left Democratic Party, addressed the crowd, stating, “This is an enormous popular response to say enough to the massacre of Palestinians and the crimes of (Israeli leader Benjamin) Netanyahu’s government.” Schlein emphasized the existence of an opposing voice within Italy, stating, “There is another Italy that doesn’t remain silent as the Meloni government does.”
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has faced pressure from opposition parties to take a firmer stance on Israel's military operations.
Critics have described her recent statements condemning the actions in Gaza as insufficient.
Nadin Unali, a Tunisian demonstrator, remarked, “The (Italian government) is not reacting despite an abnormal massacre, despite an absolutely cruel and inappropriate reaction.
The (Italian) government remains silent.”
Earlier this week, Meloni urged Israel to cease its military campaign in Gaza, asserting that the attacks had escalated disproportionately and emphasized the need to protect civilians.
The Israeli military's actions have drawn international condemnation, alongside rising calls for humanitarian aid access to Gaza, where a blockade has been in place for nearly three months.
Experts are warning that the two million residents of Gaza are facing a severe risk of famine under the current conditions.
The conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, when militants from Hamas executed a surprise offensive in Israel that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, predominantly civilians, and the abduction of 251 hostages.
As of now, around 56 hostages are reported to still be held, with a third of them believed to be alive.
In the wake of the military response, Israeli military actions have reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 54,000 Palestinians, much of whom are said to be women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which aggregates figures without distinguishing between combatants and civilians.
Protest organizers claimed that as many as 300,000 individuals participated, showcasing a blend of rainbow, Palestinian, and various political party flags as they marched peacefully through the city center.
A prominent banner bearing the message “Stop the massacre, stop complicity!” was displayed at the forefront of the demonstration, which attracted a wide array of participants, including families with children.
Elly Schlein, leader of Italy’s center-left Democratic Party, addressed the crowd, stating, “This is an enormous popular response to say enough to the massacre of Palestinians and the crimes of (Israeli leader Benjamin) Netanyahu’s government.” Schlein emphasized the existence of an opposing voice within Italy, stating, “There is another Italy that doesn’t remain silent as the Meloni government does.”
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has faced pressure from opposition parties to take a firmer stance on Israel's military operations.
Critics have described her recent statements condemning the actions in Gaza as insufficient.
Nadin Unali, a Tunisian demonstrator, remarked, “The (Italian government) is not reacting despite an abnormal massacre, despite an absolutely cruel and inappropriate reaction.
The (Italian) government remains silent.”
Earlier this week, Meloni urged Israel to cease its military campaign in Gaza, asserting that the attacks had escalated disproportionately and emphasized the need to protect civilians.
The Israeli military's actions have drawn international condemnation, alongside rising calls for humanitarian aid access to Gaza, where a blockade has been in place for nearly three months.
Experts are warning that the two million residents of Gaza are facing a severe risk of famine under the current conditions.
The conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, when militants from Hamas executed a surprise offensive in Israel that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, predominantly civilians, and the abduction of 251 hostages.
As of now, around 56 hostages are reported to still be held, with a third of them believed to be alive.
In the wake of the military response, Israeli military actions have reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 54,000 Palestinians, much of whom are said to be women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which aggregates figures without distinguishing between combatants and civilians.