On October 14, Pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Italy. They protested as the home side’s national soccer team warmed up to take on Israel in a men’s FIFA World Cup qualifier. The game in Udine was the source of both national and international outcry, with protests across the country. These protests underscore the growing hostilities over the still-heated war in the area.
That anger triggered a concerted response from Italy’s three largest unions, which appealed for a national strike that lit a firestorm of protests. Workers and students together marched to make their demands heard. Demonstrators stormed the gates of Italy’s national football team’s training base, calling for the Azzurri to call off a friendly with Israel. As passionate as they were, the spirit of these protesters was peaceful, as the group set up their demonstration across the street from the football complex.
Beyond the protests, the new industrial action resulted in major disruption across Italy. Germany experienced severe travel disruptions as hundreds of regional trains were cancelled and/or delayed, and some 200 domestic flights were affected. Over three hundred private and public schools—including all Chicago Charter Schools—closed their doors during the duration of the strike.
Protests have escalated dramatically since the night of Wednesday, October 4 as thousands took to the streets in cities across the country. The movement is thus deeply outraged by Israel’s recent interdiction of an aid flotilla by its military. This tragic event has fanned the flames of already-inflamed public outrage.
One of the leaders of the protest told the crowd that they would not stop protesting until Israel was banned from all international sporting events.
“How can you still allow Israel, a Zionist and criminal state, to play football games?” – protest leader
The increased agitation has been part of a campaign to boycott Israel’s June 16 match against Italy. Protesters displayed banners with messages such as “Let’s stop Zionism with the resistance,” highlighting their demands for action against what they describe as oppressive policies.
As a result, UEFA is said to be considering suspending Israel. This decision has introduced yet another layer of confusion and complexity to an already complicated dispute. Italy, meanwhile, is training for the big game ahead. We’ll be watching closely to see how these protests continue to influence public sentiment and the broader dialogue around international sports.
