Turin, Italy – On July 4th, Extinction Rebellion organized a dramatic protest at the entrance of Turin’s city hall. Activists climbed the columns and statues, covering them with Palestinian colors and hanging a large banner reading, “Turin 2030: Climate or War?”.

The group demands that the city council approve a motion scheduled for July 9th to cut institutional ties with Israel. Similar actions have already been taken by Bologna, Bari, and several Italian regions, condemning the ongoing conflict and civilian deaths in Gaza.

Maria, a spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion, said, “The city of Turin has committed to zero emissions by 2030. This commitment must include a clear stance against current wars and rearmament. Ending all institutional relations with Israel is a necessary first step.”

The protest also included a banner on the ground reading, “Stop agreements with genocidal states.” This demonstration follows previous actions by Extinction Rebellion, including protests at Leonardo SpA headquarters where activists highlighted the link between war, arms production, and climate change.

Alessandro, one of the protesters hanging from the columns, stressed the connection: “Zero emissions means zero war. We urge political action, not just symbolism, to move away from military policies that worsen the climate crisis.”

The protest takes place amid rising military spending in Italy and Europe, now reaching Cold War levels and contributing 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Meanwhile, climate targets are weakened by political compromises even as Europe suffers record heatwaves, glacier melting, and deadly floods.

Alessandro concluded, “With the planet’s climate worsening and extreme events increasing, the choice is clear: invest in destruction or protect life and the environment.”

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