Hundreds of thousands of people protested across Italy on Friday during a large-scale strike over the treatment of the Gaza aid flotilla and far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's cautious stance on the conflict.

Demonstrators condemned Rome's criticism 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 of war.

Many also demanded more from Meloni, who has faced criticism for not speaking out more strongly on the situation in Gaza or recognising the State of Palestine.

The CGIL, one of two unions to call the strike, said over two million people across Italy had taken to the streets in over 100 demonstrations.

CGIL head Maurizio Landini noted "the extraordinary and unprecedented participation of young people, who are calling for a future of peace".

Up and down the country, from Turin and Trento in the north to Bari and Palermo in the south, people gathered for marches and flashmobs, blocking highways or train tracks.

The........

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