The ban was set to avoid possible anti-Israeli or antisemitic incidents on Holocaust Remembrance Day.
In the capital, over 500 people gathered in Piazza Vittorio under the banner ‘Genocides are all the same. Free Palestine.’
“We are not here to say we are against the Jews,” said one activist at the demonstration.
“We are here to say no to genocide in Gaza.”
“Even The Hague recognised that there are grounds for South Africa’s claims,” said others, referring to Friday’s preliminary ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on a case brought by the African nation that Israel must take all measures to prevent genocide in Gaza.
The activists also denounced “infamous accusations of anti-Semitism” against their protest.
The Rome demonstration saw the participation of union representatives, students, private individuals and Gabriele Rubini, known as Chef Rubio, who is known for his support of the Palestinian cause.
On Friday he was stopped by police while making his way to a pro-Palestinian demonstration outside the foreign ministry in Rome at which protesters were later prevented from dyeing an Israeli flag in red.
Sources said he was found to be in possession of a plastic canister allegedly containing five litres of a substance said to be compatible with animal blood.
In Milan, hundreds of people gathered in Piazzale Loreto, northeast of the city centre.
Ironically, the location was previously used by ‘Palestinians in Italy’ for a press conference explaining their decision to respect the ban and postpone the march organised for Saturday until the following day.
The gathering also included members of the group ‘Young Palestinians’, who said Friday they would demonstrate on Saturday anyway in defiance of the ban.
“Today’s ban has added a further reason to be in the square,” said Layla of Young Palestinians.
“We are not only protesting against the genocide taking place, but also against the repression of struggles. That is why it is crucial to be in the square today.
“The Day of Remembrance has no meaning if you don’t look at the present and at the future,” she added.
ANSA
