ROME: Cities across Italy on Monday saw pro-Palestinian protests, strikes and blockades, responding to calls from unions to "denounce the genocide in Gaza" and for diplomatic and economic sanctions against Israel. The mobilisation coincided with France's and several other countries' intention to recognise the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, following recognition by the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada on Sunday. But Italy has taken a more cautious stance and will not recognise a Palestinian state for now. In Rome, hundreds of high school students gathered outside Termini train station, waving Palestinian flags and chanting "Free Palestine!".

Michelangelo, 17, told AFP he was there to support "a population that is being exterminated".

See Full Page