Mass protests erupted worldwide following Israel’s interception of the Gaza aid flotilla, spreading across Europe, Turkey, South America, and beyond.
The operation, which led to the detention of activists including climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, deprived Gaza’s besieged population of critical aid amid famine conditions reported by the United Nations.
Demonstrators accused Israel of aggression, demanded the release of detained activists, and criticised Western and national governments for complicity.
The protests saw railway blockades, clashes with police, and union-backed strikes, reflecting growing global pressure on Israel and calls for urgent humanitarian aid for Gaza.
Protesters rallied against Israel's interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which left Gaza’s besieged population without aid amid famine conditions reported by the United Nations.
The flotilla comprised 41 vessels carrying over 400 people, including politicians and activists like Thunberg, all stopped by the Israeli navy. In Barcelona, around 15,000 people marched chanting slogans like “Gaza, you are not alone,” “Boycott Israel,” and “Freedom for Palestine,” with riot police intervening when protesters attempted to climb barriers.
Former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau and activists, including Nelson Mandela’s grandson Mandla Mandela, faced deportation after trying to sail with the flotilla.
Protests also took place in Dublin, Paris, Marseille, Berlin, The Hague, Tunis, Brasilia, Buenos Aires, Rome, Milan, Torino, Florence, Bologna, Istanbul, Brussels, Geneva, Athens, and Kuala Lumpur, showing global outrage over Israel’s actions.
Demonstrators called for the release of flotilla members, halting financial and academic ties with Israel, and protection for civilians in Gaza, highlighting mounting international pressure for accountability and humanitarian relief.
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