Nearly two million Italians protested nationwide on Friday against Israel’s blockade of Gaza. The protests, led by Italy’s largest labor union CGIL, included a nationwide strike and rallies in over 100 cities. Demonstrators chanted slogans like “Free Palestine” and “Stop the War” to demand an end to Israeli aggression. Read more:Despite peace plan, Israeli forces maintain offensive in Gaza cityThe demonstrations followed Israel’s seizure of the Global Samood Flotilla carrying aid to Gaza. Human rights groups highlighted that Israel’s blockade and bombardment amount to collective punishment.