Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rallied for a nationwide general strike organized by various unions to protest the situation in Gaza, just two days after Israeli forces stopped a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in the Mediterranean, in Rome, on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
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FLORENCE – Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered at the entrance of Italy’s soccer team training center on Friday, urging that the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Israel be canceled due to the conflict in Gaza.
The protest was part of a national strike also reacting to an aid mission blocked by Israeli forces.
Italy is set to host Israel in Udine on Oct. 14. UEFA is considering suspending Israel because of the war. The team was absent from the Coverciano training center in Florence, but they are expected to assemble there on Monday.
Numerous protests erupted throughout Italy starting Wednesday evening after the Israeli navy seized the Global Sumud Flotilla, detaining activists on board.
On Friday, the nation’s largest unions called for a one-day general strike in support of Palestinians and the flotilla, prompting workers and students to hit the streets. This resulted in the cancellation or delay of hundreds of trains and several domestic flights, leading to the closure of many private and public schools.
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