A general strike across Italy in support of the Gaza aid flotilla has disrupted trains and port traffic, causing chaos for commuters as tens of thousands took to the streets in protest, AFP reports.

Demonstrators condemned the treatment of the Global Sumud Flotilla that sailed to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza, where the United Nations has reported famine conditions after nearly two years.

People take part in a protest in solidarity with Palestinians and to condemn the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla by the Israeli army, in Milan on October 3. — AFP
People take part in a protest in solidarity with Palestinians and to condemn the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla by the Israeli army, in Milan on October 3. — AFP

Opinion

Editorial

Sustainable path?
Updated 13 Jun, 2026

Sustainable path?

The FY27 budget is the first clear signal that the government is ready to transition from stabilisation to growth.
Prioritising education
13 Jun, 2026

Prioritising education

THOUGH the improvement in the country’s literacy rate may be slight, as highlighted by the Economic Survey, it ...
Poverty’s rise
13 Jun, 2026

Poverty’s rise

AS attention turns to the government’s plans for the coming fiscal year, one set of figures deserves particular...
A difficult story
Updated 12 Jun, 2026

A difficult story

Unless productivity becomes the dominant target of economic policy, Pakistan will continue to oscillate between crises and fragile recovery.
Rough waters
12 Jun, 2026

Rough waters

AMONGST the key potential triggers for fresh conflict in South Asia is water. The Indian state is behaving in an...
Politicised football
12 Jun, 2026

Politicised football

ALMOST three-and-half years since Lionel Messi led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory, the latest edition of...