As a huge fleet of flotilla aid groups was captured while reaching Gaza, hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets demanding justice for the mission and showing support for the Greta Thunberg–led operation.Hundreds of police were sent Thursday to an Israeli port to process about 450 international activists from more than 40 boats who were detained earlier at sea, authorities said. Live streams from the flotilla showed Israeli boats approaching and flashing lights before boarding. Activists in life jackets raised their hands in the air and some streamed the moment before discarding their devices.The activists were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla attempting to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza when their vessels were intercepted with water cannons and drones. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu praised the navy, saying the protesters were safely captured and not harmed.
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Worldwide protests
The interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla by Israeli naval forces sparked protests across multiple continents. Demonstrations were reported in countries including Italy, Spain, France, Greece, Turkey, Belgium, Argentina, Colombia, Malaysia, Australia, and Bangladesh. In Italy, over 10,000 people protested in Rome, with additional rallies in Milan, Naples, and Bologna. Spain witnessed protests in Barcelona and Madrid, while Greece saw demonstrations in Athens and Thessaloniki. Belgium’s capital, Brussels, hosted a significant rally, and Argentina’s Buenos Aires saw large gatherings. In Turkey, protests occurred in Istanbul, and in Colombia, the government expelled Israeli diplomats in response. Malaysia condemned the interception, and Australia announced plans for a protest in Brisbane. Dublin, Berlin, The Hague, Tunis, Brasilia, and Geneva also joined the movement. The interception drew criticism from Turkey, Colombia, Pakistan, and others. European nations, which had warned their citizens not to confront Israel, said they were working with Israeli authorities to secure their safe transfer.Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned Italian unions’ solidarity strike, saying it would cause problems for citizens and bring “no benefit to the Palestinian people.” Turkey called the interception an “act of terrorism” and a severe breach of international law, while Pakistan described it as part of Israel’s “ongoing aggression.” Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced that his government would expel Israel’s diplomatic delegation and end a free trade agreement over the interception. Two Colombian citizens were part of the flotilla. Petro called Israel’s blockade of Gaza an act of genocide, which Israel denies.
‘Genocidal machine must stop’
Protesters around the world voiced strong opposition to Israel’s interception of the flotilla. In Dublin, Miriam McNally, whose daughter was aboard, said, “I am worried sick for my daughter, but I am so proud of her and of what she’s doing. She is standing up for humanity in the face of grave danger.” In Brussels, a demonstrator named Isis urged the EU to “protect each boat” and halt “astronomical sums of money sent to Israel.” In Athens, Petros Konstantinou called the operation “a barbaric escalation from the Israeli apartheid state,” while in Kuala Lumpur, Ili Farhan said, “They are just bringing in aid and baby food… This arrest is unjust.”Pro-Palestinian protesters also clashed with authorities in several countries, although most of the demonstrations were peaceful. “We are prepared to block everything. The genocidal machine must stop immediately,” demonstrators chanted.In Barcelona, riot police used truncheons to push back demonstrators who tried to climb over barriers. In Brussels, around 3,000 protesters gathered in front of the European Parliament, setting off smoke bombs and crackers. Geneva saw a young crowd light a bonfire near the central station before being pushed back by police in riot gear at Mont Blanc bridge. In Athens, protesters set off fireworks and flares.
War and blockade
The flotilla comes amid the ongoing war triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 others. Israel’s counterattack has killed over 66,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Israel has maintained varying levels of blockade on Gaza since Hamas took power in 2007, citing security concerns, while critics call it collective punishment.The flotilla, which departed from Barcelona last month, aimed to open a sea route for humanitarian aid due to limited land deliveries. Activists say sending unarmed aid is allowed under international law, while Israel maintains the blockade is legal to prevent Hamas from obtaining weapons.
