The group is determined to push Italian, European, and international institutions to abandon military logic and to convene a peace conference under the auspices of the UN, as well as to build an alternative to the war economy by investing in decent work, healthcare, education, and social justice
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By The Weekly Vision Reporter
A group of Italians living in Kenya has launched a solidarity movement with Palestinians, joining the widespread demonstrations taking place in Italy. Seventy Italians met on Saturday, 5 October, swelling their lobby group’s membership to 128.
In Italy, millions of people are taking part in demonstrations and strikes to demand that the government act to stop what they describe as an ongoing genocide and to protect those speaking out and demonstrating for justice and peace, including United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, members of the Global Sumud Flotilla, protesters, strikers, dockworkers, and others resisting in the name of human dignity.
“Like many of our fellow citizens, we no longer wish to remain silent. We believe that civil society exists and resists in a thousand different forms, even beyond national borders. The mobilisation will continue, coordinating with Italians abroad in other countries and joining the movements for justice in Palestine, because from every part of the world we are loudly demanding the same things,” they said.
They are calling on world leaders to do everything possible to immediately stop what they describe as the genocide of the Palestinian people and to end any complicity, including commercial, with policies of occupation and apartheid.
They also want world leaders to ensure the protection and support of Francesca Albanese and to halt the rearmament policies of the Italian government, the European Union, and NATO, instead promoting a culture of peace, cooperation, and coexistence.
The group is determined to push Italian, European, and international institutions to abandon military logic and to convene a peace conference under the auspices of the UN, as well as to build an alternative to the war economy by investing in decent work, healthcare, education, and social justice.
On Tuesday, Israel marked two years since Hamas launched a surprise incursion into the southern part of the country, killing 360 people. The gunmen also kidnapped dozens more from a music festival attended by about 3,500 people. Some of the hostages are still believed to be held in bunkers, with at least 20 thought to be alive.
In retaliatory attacks that continue despite international calls for a ceasefire, Israel has reportedly killed over 66,100 people, including at least 18,430 children.
The blockade on Gaza remains in place, denying Palestinians access to food and essential supplies such as water and medicine. Nearly 80 per cent of structures in the territory have been damaged or destroyed.
Last week, a fleet of pro-Palestinian activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla attempted to break Israel’s naval blockade, but their 49 boats were intercepted by the Israeli Navy. Around 500 activists, including at least six Australians, were arrested and later deported. Among them was prominent Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Speaking on the second anniversary of the Hamas raid, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
In a statement on X, Guterres said the best way to honour the memory of the victims of the 7 October attacks is by working towards “a just and lasting peace” with Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in security, dignity, and mutual respect.
“A permanent ceasefire and a credible political process are essential to prevent further bloodshed and pave the way for peace,” he said, referencing a peace plan being pursued by the United States.
