Tens of thousands of people took part in pro-Palestinian demonstrations across Italy on Monday, as trade unions urged the government to "denounce the genocide in Gaza" and impose economic sanctions against Israel. In Rome, around 20,000 people, including thousands of high-school students, gathered outside Termini railway station, waving Palestinian flags and chanting "Free Palestine!" "Italy must come to a standstill today," said Federica Casino, a 52-year-old worker protesting for Gaza's "dead children and destroyed hospitals." Pro-Palestinian protests were also held in Milan, Turin, Florence, Naples, Bari and Palermo. Despite growing pressure from trade unions, Rome said earlier this month that it will not recognise a Palestinian state "for the moment."