Protests Erupt Across Europe After Israel Intercepts Global Sumud Flotilla, 450 Activists Detained

Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla attempting to break the Gaza blockade, detaining 450 activists from more than 40 boats. The flotilla aimed to establish a humanitarian corridor amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu praised the navy, saying all activists were safely captured and unharmed. The interception triggered massive protests across Europe and beyond, with rallies reported in Italy, Spain, France, Greece, Turkey, Belgium, Argentina, Colombia, Malaysia, Australia, and Bangladesh. In Rome alone, over 10,000 protesters took to the streets, while large crowds demonstrated in Barcelona, Athens, Brussels, and Buenos Aires. Protesters demanded justice, humanitarian aid access, and called for Israel to stop its “genocidal machine.” Governments condemned the incident, with Turkey labeling it an “act of terrorism,” Pakistan criticizing it as part of ongoing aggression, and Colombia expelling Israeli diplomats while halting a free trade agreement. European authorities coordinated with Israeli officials to ensure the safe transfer of detained activists. The flotilla departure comes amid the ongoing war following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Israel’s blockade of Gaza, in place since Hamas took power in 2007, has been cited by activists as collective punishment, while Israel maintains the measure is necessary for security. Activists insist that sending unarmed humanitarian aid is permitted under international law.