Cities across Italy on Monday saw pro-Palestinian protests, strikes and blockades, responding to calls from unions to "denounce the genocide in Gaza" and for diplomatic and economic sanctions against Israel.

The mobilisation coincided with France's and several other countries' intention to recognise the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, following recognition by the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada on Sunday.

But Italy has taken a more cautious stance and will not recognise a Palestinian state for now.

In Rome, hundreds of high school students gathered outside Termini train station, waving Palestinian flags and chanting "Free Palestine!".

"Italy must come to a standstill today," said Federica Casino, a 52-year-old worker protesting with the students for Gaza's "dead children and destroyed hospitals".

There were also protests in Milan, Turin, Florence and southern cities Naples, Bari and Palermo.

Dockworkers in Genoa and Livorno in the centre-north blocked the ports, according to Italian news agencies.

In Rome, many buses were not running and the metro service was disrupted.

Giorgia Meloni's ultraconservative government is ideologically close to US President Donald Trump and has adopted a cautious stance on the war in Gaza, though Meloni has repeatedly voiced her "concern" over the Israeli offensive.

The Israeli army has in recent days intensified its operation in Gaza, which is already devastated by almost two years of war. (AFP)