ROME, Oct. 2 -- Italian unions announced a nationwide strike for Friday in solidarity with the international aid flotilla headed for Gaza, as protests broke out in several cities late Wednesday following reports that the convoy had been intercepted by military forces.

In Naples, demonstrators stormed the main railway station, bringing train services to a halt, while police deployed heavily around Rome's Termini station after crowds gathered near the entrances.

The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) - a convoy of over 40 civilian boats carrying some 500 parliamentarians, lawyers and activists - includes Italian participants and has been attempting to breach Israel's blockade of Gaza with medical supplies and food. Israel had repeatedly warned t...