The port of Ravenna in Italy blocked two trucks reportedly carrying weapons to Israel on Thursday, as protests by dockworkers and labour groups escalate over the military campaign in Gaza.

The port authority accepted a request from Ravenna’s centre-left mayor, Alessandro Barattoni, and the regional government to deny access to the lorries, which were allegedly transporting explosives destined for the Israeli port of Haifa.

Barattoni said that while Italy officially bans arms sales to Israel, loopholes let weapons pass through from other countries. He did not reveal where the containers came from or give proof of what they contained.

Similar actions to stop weapons shipments to Israel have been reported in other European ports, including France, Sweden, and Greece, which shows growing opposition in Italy to Israel’s military actions and support for international efforts to deliver aid to Palestinians.

The Israeli embassy in Rome said it lacked details to comment. Israel has often accused European nations of being biased and influenced by Hamas propaganda.

Italy’s largest trade union, CGIL, announced it will hold a national half-day strike and marches in Rome and other cities on Friday. On September 22, two other unions plan to halt work and attempt to block operations at Genoa and Livorno ports. Riccardo Rudino from the Calp dockers’ union in Genoa said workers would not allow “a single pin” to pass through the ports.

According to Gaza health officials, Israel’s offensive has killed more than 65,000 people, mostly civilians, and caused widespread destruction in Gaza. The military campaign was launched following an October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas militants on southern Israel, which killed over 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, according to Israeli reports.

CGIL said the protests aim to pressure Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government to end commercial and military ties with Israel, lift the humanitarian blockade, and recognise Palestine as a state.

Meanwhile, Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the country would support EU sanctions against violent Israeli settlers and officials who made unacceptable remarks about Gaza and the West Bank. Tajani added that Italy is open to considering additional trade sanctions.

Reference: Reuters

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