In Nuseirat, in the center of Gaza Strip, I was out in the street last Monday trying to get an internet signal, which has become almost impossible. We were forced to flee ten times as a result of the war’s third-place bombing of our home. I had just recently experienced a complete relapse.
Everything around me reminded me of the loss that had come my way, and my heart was sobbing.
When I finally connected, Italy’s videos, photos, and audio messages flooded my phone. I witnessed Palestinian flag waving and chanting together in solidarity in the streets. I observed faces displaying a mix of hope and anger, along with banners urging people to “Stop the War” and “Free Palestine.” We hear you, we support you, that’s what they were trying to say to us.
I was enthralled beyond belief.
For the first time in history, I witnessed pro-Palestinian demonstrations of such magnitude and impact. Italians reacted en masse to the call for a 24-hour strike by independent Italian unions. People demonstrated to us in more than 70 Italian municipalities that they were passionate about Gaza, that they supported our cause, and that they wanted the genocide to come to an end right away.
This was not a Muslim- or Arab-majority nation. The government of that country, which is opposed to recognizing a Palestinian state and continues to support Israel, was in the West. The Italians then made a gesture of solidarity with us as they left.
This mobilization demonstrates that Palestinians’ solidarity extends to people from all over the world, even in countries where political elites continue to support Israel. It does not only apply to those close to us or those with the same cultural background.
These Italian solidarity scenes in Gaza spanned the land, bringing a sigh of relief amid the rubble, hunger, and bombs. People were watching the Italian crowds as they forward these videos to chat apps with amazement. Many Palestinians’ faces were greeted with a rare smile as a result of these images and footage. The impression that the world is mobilizing to end the war persisted, despite the fact that we are not completely abandoned.
I’ve also been closely following the Sumud Flotilla’s movement toward Gaza over the past week. The delegation of 50 Italian citizens were under enormous pressure to disband under the Italian government. They resisted the majority of them, and they are currently boarding various ships heading our way.
On board the ship, some Italian journalists who were there also spoke to me and expressed their optimism and encouragement, assuring us that despite the distances and difficulties, we are not alone and that those who are fighting for us are still there.
I haven’t heard from Italy yet because of the protests and the flotilla. Two Italians, Pietro and Sara, and Fadi, a Palestinian living in Italy, reached out to me in June after reading some of my articles.
Their support extended beyond words, reaching out in tangible terms. They encouraged me to spread my writings so that more people could read them. They kept an eye on me, asking about my family and me, and eliciting hopeful and encouraging messages.
I managed to publish my personal story in the Italian newspaper Il Manifesto in August, sharing our suffering and resilience with thousands of readers.
Before the war, I had no idea what Italy was all about. I was aware of the country’s beautiful history, welcoming people, and charming people. But I never anticipated that Italians would show signs of support for Palestine and take to the streets in large numbers.
I admire and value the Italian people today. I truly felt that their involvement in protests, their personal support, and their involvement in initiatives like the Sumud Flotilla have truly changed my perception that global solidarity is more than just words.
I’m hoping to see similar demonstrations in other nations because I believe the world supports our right to life, liberty, and dignity.
We see you, we hear you, and you make our hearts sing with joy, to the Italian people and to all those who mobilized for Gaza.
