Italian police used batons and water cannons to disperse a large pro-Palestinian demonstration in the capital on Friday evening, as thousands gathered to denounce Israel’s ongoing genocidal war in the Gaza Strip and express solidarity with the Palestinian people.

According to local sources, protesters filled the streets of central Rome carrying Palestinian flags and banners that read “Zionism is a danger to the world” and “Expel the Israeli ambassador from Italy.” The rally echoed global outrage over Israel’s two-year genocidal campaign in Gaza, which has left tens of thousands dead and the enclave in ruins.

Demonstrators chanted slogans including “Freedom for Palestine,” “We are all anti-Zionists,” “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” and “Israel is a terrorist Zionist state.”

The crowd attempted to march toward the Rome Film Festival venue, passing near the Israeli Embassy, but police forces blocked the route and declared the gathering unauthorized. Soon after, riot police moved in, using batons and high-pressure water cannons to disperse the protesters.

Videos shared on social media showed demonstrators being pushed back by police lines as chants of “Palestina libera!” (“Free Palestine”) filled the streets. Witnesses reported several injuries and detentions as authorities sought to clear the area.

The protest comes amid growing anger across Europe over the continuing Israeli assault on Gaza, backed by the United States and Western powers. Since October 8, 2023, Israel’s war has killed more than 68,280 Palestinians and wounded over 170,375, the majority of them women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Nearly 90% of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure — including hospitals, schools, and residential blocks — has been destroyed.

Human rights groups have condemned Italy’s use of force against peaceful demonstrators, calling it a violation of the right to free expression and assembly. Activists vowed to continue organizing nationwide demonstrations until Italy and the European Union take a firm stance against what they describe as Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza.

The Rome rally was one of several held across Italian cities this week, reflecting the growing momentum of the international movement demanding justice for Palestine and an immediate end to Israeli war crimes. (ILKHA)