Rome: Tens of thousands of protesters marched through central Rome on Saturday, marking the fourth straight day of demonstrations across Italy in response to Israel’s interception of an international aid flotilla bound for Gaza. Organisers claimed the march drew more than one million participants, while police estimated the crowd at around 250,000. Protesters carrying Palestinian flags and banners chanted “Free Palestine” as they marched past iconic landmarks, including the Colosseum.

The rally, held under bright sunshine, saw participation from people of all ages — including students, families, and the elderly. While most of the demonstration remained peaceful, authorities reported that some participants displayed banners supporting Hamas and chanted anti-Israel slogans, prompting heightened police vigilance.

Clashes broke out toward the end of the march near the St. Mary Major basilica, where a small group of around 200 protesters confronted officers in riot gear. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons after demonstrators set fire to two cars and several rubbish bins. Twelve individuals were detained, and the identities of 262 others were recorded.

The protests, part of a growing wave of solidarity with Gaza following the flotilla’s interception, have spread across several Italian cities. On Friday, unions held a nationwide strike backing the movement, claiming participation of over two million people