More than 1,500 arts workers in Italy sign letter demanding government takes action against Gaza assault

"The final version of the letter-completed on Saturday 4 October-accuses Israel of perpetrating "genocide" and "unjustifiable violence" in Gaza. It has been signed by 1,566 workers from state-run museums, archaeological sites, libraries and Ales, a company run by the culture ministry that provides support services at heritage sites. Signatories include 23 employees of Pompeii, 53 from the Uffizi in Florence, 62 from Naples's Capodimonte Museum and 38 from the Colosseum. All signed with their full names."

"The signatories demand that Italy recognise the state of Palestine, halt arms supplies to Israel, sever diplomatic and commercial ties and "intensify initiatives aimed at guaranteeing ways out of Gaza through all cultural avenues", including study grants for Gazan students. They also urge their institutions to "promote initiatives of solidarity with the Palestinian people" and call on the culture ministry to "make public any agreements in place with Israeli c"

"It was updated and circulated again at the end of September, on the eve of another massive strike on Friday 3 October, when hundreds of thousands marched in support of the Global Sumud Flotilla -a maritime humanitarian initiative carrying food and medical supplies to Gaza. Demonstrators brought parts of Italy to a standstill, increasing pressure on Meloni's government, which has been criticised for failing to condemn Israel's conduct during the war."

Workers from Italy's most visited heritage sites called on Giorgia Meloni's government to recognise the state of Palestine and condemn destruction of cultural heritage in Gaza. The letter was drafted before a pro-Palestine strike on 22 September, updated at the end of September, and finalised on 4 October. Signatories include 1,566 workers from museums, archaeological sites, libraries and Ales, including staff from Pompeii, the Uffizi, Capodimonte and the Colosseum. The signatories accuse Israel of perpetrating "genocide" and "unjustifiable violence" and demand that Italy halt arms supplies, sever diplomatic and commercial ties, and promote cultural solidarity measures including study grants for Gazan students. Mass demonstrations and strikes increased pressure on the government.

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