Widespread anti-Israel protests turn chaotic across Italy

Large and chaotic anti-Israel protests took place at 75 locations across Italy on Monday.

Demonstrators accused Israel of genocide in its military operations against the Hamas terrorist organization in Gaza and called on the Italian government to take a stand against Israel.

One of the largest anti-Israel rallies took place in Milan, where riots broke out as activists clashed with police and caused extensive damage at the city’s central train station. Video footage showed protesters throwing stones and shattering glass doors.

In Rome, tens of thousands of demonstrators called for an end to what they described as “genocide in Gaza,” with some blocking major highways and prompting Italian labor unions to suspend public transport in several cities. At Turin University, activists clashed with police during campus protests.

Meanwhile, workers at the port of Genoa blocked docking areas in protest against what they called “Israel’s attack on Gaza.”

One activist told Israel's Ynet News: “Blocking trains, shutting Genoa’s port—it’s about saying we can’t go on. This is more than just protesting; it’s a message. When an army commits genocide, there’s little left to say. We must end the genocide and isolate Israel like South Africa was.”

“If history has a right side, Italy’s government, like the U.S., will always be on the wrong one. I doubt Meloni will act,” he continued, referring to the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, considered a close ally of Israel.

Referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, one activist said, “We need to end the genocide. It won’t be easy until Netanyahu’s gone. Israel must rethink – this can’t continue. Changing the government won’t fix it alone.”

Critics of Israel went so far as to describe Israelis as “evil.”

“The worst outcome is for them. When you’re seen as evil, no one talks to you because you breed malice. You don’t need to kill or conquer – just live, and if it’s bad, migrate,” said one protester.

The comments were made without reference to the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks that killed 1,200 people in Israel and saw 251 taken hostage.

Another activist named Marta denied that the activists are driven by antisemitism.

“I have Israeli friends who oppose Netanyahu. I’m not antisemitic; I love Israel and I’m sad. I visited Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in 2012, but I can’t return to the ‘Gaza Riviera’ now. It’s like our Berlusconi era. Thousands in the streets might just be symbolic, but we’re not antisemitic; We love Israelis but must protect Palestinians too.”

She repeated the accusation of genocide in Gaza.

“These are kids! It’s genocide! I won’t say Holocaust or that Israelis deserve what happened in World War II, nor Palestinians. I’m deeply sad and hope for a miracle. By October 7, 2025, I think Gaza and the West Bank will be gone, so anything done after today will be too late,” Marta said.

She concluded by saying she supports protests against the Israeli government while blasting her own government for its pro-Israel position.

“I’m glad if you’re against your government. You must stand against it most. Sadly, Italy’s government is the second worldwide now accused of enabling genocide with Netanyahu – not Israel,” she claimed.

Meloni condemned the riots and the violent clashes across the country.

"(This was) violence and destruction that have nothing to do with solidarity and will not change the lives of people in Gaza by a fraction, but will have concrete consequences for Italian citizens who will end up suffering and paying for the damage caused by these hooligans," Meloni argued.

In July, Meloni had argued that recognition of the “State of Palestine” was premature.

“I am very much in favor of the State of Palestine, but I am not in favor of recognizing it prior to establishing it,” Meloni had stated. “If something that doesn’t exist is recognized on paper, the problem could appear to be solved when it isn’t.”

Last month, the Rome-based daily Il Tempo published an investigation into the close ties between Hamas and Italian left-wing parties that have played leading roles in the widespread protests against Israel. One such group is the Charitable Association of Solidarity with the Palestinian People (ABSPP), which has allegedly been linked to Hamas funding networks and the Muslim Brotherhood.