Israel’s seizure of a civilian flotilla bound for the besieged Gaza Strip has unleashed global backlash, sparking protests and strike calls across Europe and Latin America as well as diplomatic expulsions, with governments denouncing the move against unarmed activists.
The Israeli navy intercepted 13 boats from the 50-vessel flotilla – Global Sumud Flotilla – as they neared Gaza’s coast, arresting activists and jamming communications to block live-stream coverage of the incident.
According to flotilla spokesperson Saif Abukeshek, Israeli forces detained more than 200 participants, including groups from Spain, Italy, Turkey, and Malaysia.
Despite the arrests, he added, around 30 vessels remain at sea, determined to break the Gaza blockade.
Turkey condemned the interception as a dangerous assault on peaceful civilians in international waters, denouncing Israel’s policies it described as genocidal and responsible for Gaza’s famine.
The seizure sparked worldwide protests, diplomatic condemnations and threats of strikes against the occupying entity, which has barred some two million Palestinians in the war-torn coastal territory from receiving basic humanitarian aid during the past several months.
In Italy, where a general strike had already been organized in solidarity with the flotilla, thousands rallied in cities to support the Global Sumud Flotilla, which is carrying roughly 500 people from 37 countries, including parliamentarians, lawyers and activists such as Greta Thunberg.
Demonstrations also broke out in Brussels, Athens, Buenos Aires, and Berlin, while Spain’s government urged Israel to safeguard the rights and safety of those aboard.
In Rome, hundreds chanting “let’s block everything” showed up near the main train station, leading authorities to restrict access and close some metro stations. Pro-Palestinian marches also took place in Milan, Turin, and Genoa. In Naples and Pisa, protesters briefly occupied platforms and blocked trains.
In Bologna, thousands marched carrying flags and banners. Italian media estimated around 10,000 people demonstrated in Rome, with local television networks speculating about the fate of several Italian MPs aboard the flotilla.
Two of Italy’s largest unions called for a general strike the following Friday. The CGIL union described the Israeli action against civilian ships with Italian citizens as “extremely serious,” while the USB union vowed to blockade the port of Genoa. In recent weeks, dockworkers have prevented ships associated with Israel from docking or loading, targeting what they described as Israeli-linked trade vessels.
Turkey’s foreign ministry strongly condemned the action as an “attack” and “act of terror” that jeopardized civilians’ lives. Ireland’s foreign minister characterized the flotilla as a “peaceful mission” to highlight a severe humanitarian crisis; an Irish senator had been aboard, and Sinn Féin accused Israel of “kidnapping” those detained.
Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro expelled all remaining Israeli diplomats over what he called a new international crime by Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He also demanded the release of two Colombian women detained by Israeli forces who had been working on the flotilla’s solidarity mission.
Mexico, for its part, urged Israel to respect the rights of its citizens abroad. Brazil called for Israel to immediately and unconditionally lift all restrictions on humanitarian aid entering Gaza.
Malaysia’s prime minister condemned the interception, noting the vessels carried unarmed civilians and vital aid, and vowed to pursue accountability through lawful means. Malaysian volunteers had joined the flotilla, including singer Zizi Kirana, who posted a video reporting her detention.
[ SOURCE: PRESS TV and NEWS AGENCIES ]
