Italian union declares general strike over attack on Gaza aid flotilla

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
1 Oct 2025 23:26
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Italy’s USB union declared a nationwide strike after reports that “Israel” intercepted the Gaza aid flotilla, accusing it of violating international law.

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A man shows his hands bearing graffiti in Italian reading 'Not in my name' during a pro-Global Sumud Flotilla demonstration in downtown Rome, Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025 (AP)

Italy’s Unione Sindacale di Base (USB) trade union on Wednesday announced a nationwide general strike for October 3, after reports that the Global Sumud Fleet was being intercepted.

The union recalled its earlier pledge to halt work if the convoy were targeted, accusing “Israel” of breaking international law.

“Attacked the Global Sumud Fleet. Israel attacks international law. Now is the time to block everything,” USB said in a statement on X. It also urged supporters to mobilize “in all squares” in the days leading up to the strike.

The #GlobalSumudFlotilla said that the Israeli occupation boats are surrounding the flotilla, and at least two ships have been intercepted.

Earlier, Yasemin Acar, member of Global Sumud Flotilla, said that the Alma boat was intercepted, adding, "This is against our will. We are… pic.twitter.com/ontdk5i1qR
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 1, 2025

The aid flotilla reported that its radar had detected more than 20 unidentified vessels about three nautical miles ahead of the fleet. It was later said that the Israeli occupation boats were surrounding the flotilla, and at least two ships had been intercepted.

Earlier, Yasemin Acar, a member of the Global Sumud Flotilla, said that the Alma boat was intercepted, adding, "This is against our will. We are being kidnapped."

On Friday, Italy’s largest trade union, CGIL, also warned it would call a general strike if the flotilla was blocked or attacked, signaling potential widespread labor unrest across the country.

Footage circulating on social media shows the Israeli occupation navy vessels intercepting the #GlobalSumudFlotilla boats.#GazaGenocide #Palestine pic.twitter.com/FxAwrIDask
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 1, 2025

The Global Sumud Fleet, carrying humanitarian and medical supplies, set sail at the end of August and was expected to reach Gaza’s coast on Thursday. This is the largest such convoy in years, with more than 50 ships carrying 532 civilians from over 45 countries.

Gaza has been under Israeli blockade for roughly 18 years, leaving international aid missions a recurring point of confrontation.

In a video circulating online, #ThiagoAvila, a member of the #GlobalSumudFlotilla, is heard as he confronts the Israeli occupation naval forces, invoking international law and demanding they not commit another war crime against a peaceful humanitarian mission to #Gaza. pic.twitter.com/osHfYYk9uG
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 1, 2025