Post by : Raman

Thousands of people around the world have protested after the Israeli navy stopped a flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza. The flotilla, called the Global Sumud Flotilla, included 41 ships with more than 400 people on board, among them politicians and climate activist Greta Thunberg. Israel blocked the ships from reaching Gaza, citing security concerns, according to an Israeli official.

The flotilla had sailed from Barcelona last month to challenge Israel's blockade of Gaza. The coastal territory has faced severe shortages of food and basic supplies after nearly two years of conflict, with the United Nations reporting famine-like conditions in some areas.

In Barcelona, around 15,000 people marched in protest. Demonstrators carried banners and chanted slogans such as "Gaza, you are not alone," "Boycott Israel," and "Freedom for Palestine." Some protesters tried to climb barriers, leading to clashes with riot police. Former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau was among those prevented from proceeding, along with activists including Nelson Mandela's grandson, Mandla Mandela. Israeli authorities reportedly plan to deport them.

Protests were also held in Dublin, where demonstrators gathered outside the Irish parliament. Miriam McNally, whose daughter had joined the flotilla, said she was worried for her child but proud of her courage. In Paris, about a thousand people protested, while in Marseille, hundreds of demonstrators were arrested after attempting to block access to offices of a weapons company linked to Israel.

Other global protests took place in Berlin, The Hague, Tunis, Brasilia, Buenos Aires, Geneva, Athens, and Kuala Lumpur. Demonstrators called for stronger actions against Israel and urged the European Union to stop financial and military support to the country.

In Italy, thousands marched in Rome and other cities such as Milan, Florence, and Bologna. Demonstrators criticized Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for supporting Israel and called for a total stop to the attacks on Gaza. In Turkey, protestors marched to the Israeli embassy demanding the release of flotilla members and the end of academic and economic ties with Israel.

The protests highlighted widespread international concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and opposition to Israel’s blockade. Activists warned that blocking aid shipments violates basic human rights and called for immediate international intervention to allow humanitarian assistance to reach the population.

The flotilla’s interception has triggered a strong global response, with people from different countries uniting in calls for justice, freedom for Palestinians, and an end to violence in Gaza. Demonstrators emphasized that humanitarian aid should never be blocked and urged governments worldwide to take action to protect civilians in conflict zones.

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