Pro-Palestine protesters target Italy training for Israel World Cup tie
Key Takeaways
- Pro-Palestine protesters demonstrated at Italyās football training center demanding the cancellation of the World Cup qualifier against Israel.
- The protest was linked to the ongoing war in Gaza and followed the Israeli navy's interception of the Global Sumud aid flotilla.
- The demonstration occurred during a national strike in Italy, which caused widespread cancellations of trains, flights, and school closures.
- Protesters voiced strong anti-Zionist messages outside the facility where the Italian squad is due to convene.
- UEFA is reportedly considering suspending Israel from international competition over the war.
Pro-Palestine protesters targeted the Italian national football team's training facility on Friday to demand the cancellation of their upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier against Israel, referencing the war in Gaza. The demonstration occurred amidst a national strike that was triggered by the Israeli forces' interdiction of the Global Sumud aid flotilla earlier in the week. Although the players were absent at the time, the squad is scheduled to convene at the Coverciano training centre in Florence on Monday for the match slated for October 14 in Udine. Protesters, who appeared peaceful, displayed banners and shouted slogans against Israel, calling it a 'Zionist and criminal state.' The wider national strike involved workers and students, leading to significant travel and educational disruptions across Italy in solidarity with the Palestinians and the detained flotilla activists. Furthermore, the Italian Football Coachesā Association had previously advocated for Israel's suspension from international competition.
