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Italy's Unione Sindacale di Base trade union declared a nationwide general strike for Oct. 3 as reports emerge that Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Fleet, a humanitarian convoy bound for Gaza.
The union, known as USB, invoked an earlier pledge to halt work if the flotilla was targeted, accusing Israel of violating international law in a statement posted on social media platform X.
"Attacked the Global Sumud Fleet. Israel attacks international law. Now is the time to block everything," the union said, calling for immediate mobilizations "in all squares" ahead of the strike date.
Italy's largest trade union, CGIL, had issued a similar warning Friday, threatening a general strike if the humanitarian flotilla was blocked or attacked.
The flotilla set sail in late August carrying humanitarian aid and medical supplies, with more than 50 ships transporting 532 civilian supporters from over 45 countries. The convoy was expected to reach Gaza's coast Thursday morning under normal circumstances, marking the first time in years that such a large maritime effort has attempted to reach the enclave.
Gaza, home to 2.4 million Palestinians, has been under Israeli blockade for roughly 18 years. Israel tightened restrictions further on March 2 by closing all border crossings and blocking food, medicine and aid shipments, pushing the territory toward famine despite aid trucks accumulating at its borders.
The Israeli military has killed over 66,100 Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023, the majority of them women and children, according to local health authorities. The sustained bombardment has rendered much of the enclave uninhabitable and contributed to starvation and disease outbreaks.
According to flotilla organizers, Israeli Defense Forces contacted the convoy via radio on channel 16, demanding the ships change course. The military claimed the blockade-breaking attempt violated international law and stated that aid could only be delivered through Israeli-approved channels.
"You will be forcibly stopped, seized, and legal action will be initiated against you," the Israeli navy warned, according to a statement from the flotilla.
Turkish activist Dilek Tekocak, aboard the vessel Sirius, said the flotilla entered high alert as Israeli warships approached. "Right now we've gone to alarm status on the Sirius. We were told there are 12 ships ahead of us. They're about 10 minutes away from us," Tekocak said.
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