SAFA — Labor unions and Palestine solidarity movements worldwide are preparing for a coordinated international port strike on Friday, October 30, with up to 50 ports and more than 100 cities expected to participate in protests against Israel's genocide in Gaza, military aggression and the transportation of weapons.

Under the slogan “Ports for Peace – Jobs With Dignity,” organizers aim to disrupt military supply chains, prevent weapons shipments from passing through participating ports and pressure governments to redirect public spending from militarization toward humanitarian needs and essential services.

The mobilization seeks to move international solidarity with Palestinians beyond demonstrations and statements, using organized labor action to challenge the logistical networks supporting military operations.

Five Days of International Mobilization

According to organizers, the campaign began on October 26 and will continue through October 30, with maritime activities, union-led initiatives and public demonstrations scheduled throughout the week.

The actions are expected to culminate on Friday in coordinated port strikes and mass protests across participating countries.

The initiative follows an international organizing conference attended by approximately 200 representatives of dockworkers' unions, other labor organizations and civil society groups.

Participants came from 11 countries: Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Malta, Morocco, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain and Turkey.

The conference established a joint timetable for labor actions and public protests, with organizers seeking to expand participation across maritime transport networks and other economic sectors.

Italy Calls for Nationwide General Strike

In Italy, the Union of Base Syndicates (USB) has called for a nationwide general strike on October 30, extending the mobilization beyond dockworkers to employees across multiple sectors.

The union's call aims to broaden opposition to war and militarization while strengthening workers' participation in the international Palestine solidarity movement.

Friday's planned action would mark the second international port strike of 2026, following a similar mobilization on February 6.

Organizers expect the October action to be the largest of its kind this year, citing increased union involvement and the anticipated participation of more ports and cities.

Unions Seek to Block Weapons Shipments

The campaign's central demands include an end to Israel's genocide against Palestinians, an end to military aggression across the region and a halt to the movement of weapons and military equipment through participating ports.

Organizers also oppose government rearmament policies and the expansion of military spending, calling instead for greater investment in public services, social welfare and workers' rights.

They argue that civilian infrastructure, including commercial ports and shipping networks, should not be used to facilitate military attacks against civilian populations.

By linking opposition to war with labor rights and social justice, the campaign seeks to increase pressure on governments and companies involved in military supply chains.

Organizers view coordinated industrial action as a means of moving beyond symbolic solidarity toward practical measures capable of disrupting the transportation of military equipment.

Strike Comes Amid Continued Israeli Attacks on Palestinians

The international mobilization comes as Palestinians continue to face deteriorating humanitarian and security conditions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

Despite the October 2025 ceasefire agreement, Israeli attacks and reported ceasefire violations have continued in Gaza, where widespread destruction, shortages of essential supplies and restrictions on border crossings have severely affected civilian life and humanitarian operations.

Uncertainty surrounding political efforts to end the war has further complicated prospects for recovery and reconstruction.

In occupied Jerusalem, Israeli occupation forces continue demolishing Palestinian homes and other structures, frequently citing the absence of building permits.

Israeli incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque and restrictions on Palestinian freedom of worship and movement have also intensified pressure on residents.

Across the occupied West Bank, Israeli military raids on cities and refugee camps have continued alongside escalating settler attacks on Palestinian communities.

Settlement expansion, the legalization of outposts and the proliferation of military checkpoints have further fragmented Palestinian territory and restricted residents' movement.

Against this backdrop, organizers say the October 30 mobilization is intended to turn international solidarity with Palestinians into coordinated action by workers and trade unions.

Through port strikes, demonstrations and opposition to weapons shipments, participating organizations aim to challenge the economic and logistical systems that enable military operations while demanding greater protection for Palestinian civilians and workers' rights worldwide.

Source : Safa News