Italian port stops sending weapons to Israel as workers protest

Dockworkers and labor groups in Ravenna, Italy, have blocked containers filled with weapons bound for Israel, joining a wave of protests against the war in Gaza. The move, backed by the city’s mayor and regional leaders, highlights Italy’s resistance to arms shipments despite loopholes enabling transfers via other nations.

Similar demonstrations have erupted in France, Sweden, and Greece. Italy’s largest union, CGIL, has declared a nationwide half-day strike and marches, demanding an end to military ties with Israel, lifting of the humanitarian blockade, and official recognition of Palestine. The protests intensify as Gaza officials report more than 65,000 civilian deaths from Israel’s ongoing offensive.