A general strike is underway today "in defense of the Flotilla, constitutional values, and in support of the people of Gaza", wrote the Cgil union. Already called in recent days by several unions, it has attracted a large number of participants, especially after the Global Sumud Flotilla was boarded by the Israeli army between Wednesday and Thursday. The strike has been confirmed despite being deemed illegitimate by the strike guarantee commission.

All public and private sectors are affected, particularly transportation, education, and healthcare. As Usb explained in a statement, "the intervention of the guarantee commission in no way jeopardizes the strike: those who risk sanctions are the trade unions that called the general strike, not the workers". "Full steam ahead, then, let's prepare to bring everything to a halt", the union stated. More than 100 demonstrations are planned throughout Italy.

Regarding air transport, Enac (Italian Civil Aviation Authority) stated that, unlike previous protests, "a list of guaranteed flights has not been prepared, as the notice periods required by current legislation were not respected".

The railway sector, however, is affected by the strike from 9:00 pm yesterday to 8:59 pm today. The Trenitalia website provides a list of guaranteed long-distance trains. Essential regional transport services operated by Trenitalia and Trenitalia Tper are guaranteed from 6:00 am to 9:00 am and from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Local public transport will also be disrupted throughout the day, with some service periods guaranteed. Disruptions are also possible throughout the day in the maritime and taxi sectors. Highway workers already began their strike at 10:00 pm last night.

The fire department also went on strike, with shift workers on strike for four hours without pay cuts, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Administrative and day-to-day staff, however, went on strike all day.