Daijiworld Media Network - Gaza
Gaza, Oct 3: Hundreds of thousands of protesters across the globe have expressed outrage after Israeli naval forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian mission led by climate activist Greta Thunberg, aiming to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza. The flotilla, comprising over 40 boats and 450 international activists, was intercepted at sea using water cannons and drones. Israeli authorities confirmed that the activists were safely detained without injuries, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praising the navy for the operation.
Live footage from the incident showed activists in life jackets raising their hands as Israeli boats approached, some streaming the moment before discarding their devices. The interception immediately triggered protests worldwide, reflecting growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Mass demonstrations were reported in countries including Italy, Spain, Greece, Belgium, Argentina, Turkey, Colombia, Malaysia, and Australia. In Italy, over 10,000 people gathered in Rome, with additional protests in Milan, Naples, and Bologna. Spain witnessed rallies in Barcelona and Madrid, while Athens and Thessaloniki saw large gatherings. Cities such as Brussels, Buenos Aires, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur, and Brisbane also saw thousands take to the streets, joined by protesters in Dublin, Berlin, The Hague, Tunis, Brasilia, and Geneva.
Several governments and leaders condemned the interception. Turkey termed it an “act of terrorism” and a serious breach of international law, while Pakistan called it part of Israel’s “ongoing aggression.” Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro announced the expulsion of Israel’s diplomatic delegation and the termination of a free trade agreement in response. European nations coordinated with Israel to ensure the safe return of detained citizens.
Protesters globally carried placards and chanted slogans demanding an end to Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Some demonstrations turned confrontational, with riot police taking action in Barcelona, Brussels, and Geneva against demonstrators attempting to breach security barriers.
The flotilla had departed from Barcelona last month, intending to deliver essential humanitarian aid amid limited land access to Gaza. Activists insisted that sending unarmed aid is protected under international law, while Israel maintained that the blockade is necessary to prevent Hamas from obtaining weapons.
The interception comes nearly two years after Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which claimed around 1,200 lives and resulted in the abduction of 251 individuals. Israel’s retaliatory operations have reportedly killed over 66,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The blockade, in place since Hamas assumed power in 2007, remains a focal point of global criticism, with calls for safe humanitarian access continuing to intensify.