Global Mobilisation in Solidarity with Gaza: Thunberg and Albanese Lead Rome Demonstration

The global mobilisation in solidarity with Gaza intensified in Rome as thousands gathered behind Greta Thunberg and UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese in a powerful march coinciding with the UN International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The demonstration connected Rome with rallies across Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, reinforcing the idea that the global mobilisation in solidarity with Gaza has become a coordinated civic effort cutting across borders.

The march was organised by Italy’s grassroots union USB alongside the Global Movement to Gaza. Demonstrators condemned Italy’s military cooperation with Israel and criticised rising defence expenditure. Through speeches, banners, and chants, organisers framed the global mobilisation in solidarity with Gaza as a direct counterweight to Western policies perceived as enabling the conflict. Demands centred on an immediate ceasefire, the suspension of arms transfers, and the end of joint military exercises with Israel.

Before the march, Thunberg and Albanese spoke at a “Rebuild Justice” event at Roma Tre University. Thunberg argued that global institutions are only now acknowledging Palestinian claims of atrocities in Gaza. She said the Global mobilization of solidarity with Gaza reflects public frustration with governments that continue military or financial support for Israel despite widespread calls for de-escalation.

Albanese highlighted concerns about the information environment surrounding the conflict. She noted that coverage often understates conditions on the ground, pointing out assessments that over half of Gaza is currently occupied by Israeli tanks. She also referenced the continued rise in Palestinian deaths in the West Bank. Albanese urged Italy and the EU to suspend weapons exports and military cooperation that could contribute to violations of international law. Her remarks reinforced the argument that the global mobilisation in solidarity with Gaza is as much about accountability as it is about solidarity.

Protests mirrored the Rome march in Milan, Paris, Dublin, Geneva, Berlin, Stockholm, São Paulo, and Istanbul. In each city, demonstrators linked their local actions to the broader global mobilisation in solidarity with Gaza, marking 77 years since the UN Partition Plan and underscoring how unresolved political realities continue to shape public pressure worldwide.