• Clashes with security near Paladoza Arena as activists symbolically rename Piazza Maggiore to Gaza Square

On Friday evening, the Italian city of Bologna witnessed a large demonstration in support of the Palestinian people in Gaza, coinciding with the city hosting a EuroLeague basketball match between Virtus Bologna and Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Around 5,000 protesters marched from Piazza Maggiore, which activists temporarily renamed “Gaza Square,” chanting slogans against the Israeli occupation.

Protesters carried Palestinian flags and banners reading “Show Israel the Red Card” and “Free Palestine,” referring to the 'Israeli' team’s connections with the government of occupation, labeling the sporting event a “match of shame.”

Messages of solidarity were also displayed inside the Paladoza arena, where Virtus fans raised Palestinian flags from the stands in a clear statement against sports 'normalization with 'Israel.

Security Measures and Clashes

Despite the heavy presence of around 500 security personnel and the surrounding area being cordoned off as a “red zone,” the crowd continued its activities.

Some streets near the arena saw limited clashes between protesters attempting to approach the venue and security forces, who used tear gas and fire trucks to disperse the demonstrators. Protesters also set fire to trash bins and erected symbolic barricades.

Political Messages

Prominent figures joined the march, including Egyptian human rights activist Patrick Zaki, who emphasized that “justice does not discriminate between the peoples of the world.”

The protest concluded with chants demanding the resignation of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, condemning “European silence” on Gaza, and calling for a general strike on November 28 under the slogan: “No to normalization… Yes to Palestine.”