· As Gaza’s hospitals collapse and aid seekers are shot, 300,000 Italians marched in defiance of a government accused of complicity and silence.
· Speakers condemned the violence in Gaza and criticised the silence of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s far-right government.
A wave of red, white, green, and black swept through Rome’s historic centre on Saturday, as an estimated 300,000 people marched in one of Europe’s largest anti-war protests since the escalation in Gaza. The demonstration unfolded just hours after reports confirmed Israeli forces opened fire on a crowd seeking food aid, killing five and injuring at least 70. The World Health Organisation has since warned that Gaza’s medical system is nearing collapse under the weight of constant bombardment and dwindling supplies.
The march, which included mock coffins and symbolic funeral processions, reflected rising public outrage over Italy’s arms trade with Israel and what organizers described as “passive political complicity.” Participants came from across the country, including faith groups, trade unions, student networks, and diaspora communities, all united by a call for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access.
While Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has publicly criticized the Israeli assault as “disproportionate,” her administration has not implemented any substantive policy shifts — a contrast many find telling. Critics point to Italy’s continued military and commercial ties with Israel and argue that the government’s rhetorical condemnation rings hollow.
In 2022, Meloni led the far-right Brother of Italy to electoral victory with a campaign grounded in nationalism, anti-immigration rhetoric, and cultural traditionalism.
This political backdrop resurfaced during the protest in discussions about a remark made earlier this year by Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani, who said:
“It is impossible for us to recognize Palestine, because Palestine doesn’t exist. There is West Bank and Gaza.”
One protester, holding a sign that read “Recognition is the first step to justice”, said:
“When your leaders deny your existence, how can they possibly care about your survival?”
The atmosphere in Rome was both sombre and defiant, with chants of “Free Palestine” and “Stop the bombing now” echoing across the piazzas. Beyond political demands, the demonstration became a reflection of shared grief and frustration. Many attendees cited the death toll in Gaza, now exceeding 54,000, and the collapse of hospitals as the tipping point that moved them to the streets.
As the crowd dispersed near San Giovanni, white balloons were released into the sky — a symbolic tribute to children lost in the violence and a reminder that for many Italians, silence is no longer an option.
