Protests broke out in multiple world capitals after Israeli forces intercepted the Global Samoud Flotilla and detained hundreds of participants attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Demonstrations were reported in Mexico City, Bogotá, Buenos Aires, Madrid, and other major cities, where crowds denounced Israel’s naval raids and demanded the release of detained activists.
In Buenos Aires, protesters rallied outside government buildings to demand the safe return of Celeste Fierro, a legislator-elect for Argentina’s Workers’ Socialist Movement, who was on board the Adara ship when it was intercepted. “The colleagues who are there are in a difficult situation, but we are monitoring it,” Sergio Garcia, a fellow activist, told AP. He called on Argentina’s Foreign Ministry to secure Fierro’s release.
Over 200 Activists Detained
According to flotilla spokesperson Saif Abukeshek, Israeli forces intercepted 13 vessels and detained more than 201 people representing 37 countries. Among them were 30 activists from Spain, 22 from Italy, 21 from Türkiye, and 12 from Malaysia.
Despite the mass detentions, Abukeshek said the mission remains active. “We have around 30 ships still fighting their way past occupation forces. They are determined, motivated, and doing everything within their hand to arrive together in Gaza,” he told reporters.
Flotilla Vows to Continue
The Global Samoud Flotilla released a statement reaffirming its commitment to break the blockade. “We continue on our mission to break the siege and open a humanitarian corridor,” the group declared.
Originally comprising about 40 vessels, the flotilla confirmed that nearly 30 boats had evaded interception and were pressing forward, reportedly just 85 kilometers (46 nautical miles) from Gaza’s coastline.
Widening Protests and Global Reaction
News of the interception sparked a wave of solidarity demonstrations across Europe and the Middle East. Protesters filled streets in Italy, Greece, Germany, Brussels, and Tunisia, while in Türkiye, demonstrators gathered outside the U.S. and Israeli embassies, chanting against Israel’s actions.
Activists worldwide have condemned the interception as an assault not only on humanitarian aid but also on international solidarity with Palestinians. They argue the raid reflects Israel’s determination to maintain its blockade of Gaza despite rising global pressure.
The United Nations and several humanitarian groups are monitoring the situation, with calls mounting for the immediate release of detained activists and for unhindered passage of aid into the besieged enclave.
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