Global Protests Erupt Following Israeli Interception of Gaza-Bound Flotilla

Brussels, The Gulf Observer: Protests broke out across multiple continents on the night of October 1 after Israel intercepted the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, sparking worldwide outrage. Demonstrators demanded the release of detained activists and called for an immediate end to the blockade of Gaza.

In Europe, rallies took place in Greece, Spain, Sweden, and Belgium, with Italy witnessing some of the largest gatherings. Tens of thousands marched through Rome in support of the flotilla, while hundreds blocked traffic at Piazza dei Cinquecento. In Milan, demonstrators shut down train stations, halting rail services. Italian trade unions USB and CGIL declared a nationwide strike for October 3, with dockworkers fulfilling their pledge to blockade in protest of the interception.

Large-scale demonstrations also erupted outside the US consulate in Istanbul, where protesters chanted slogans, prayed for Palestinians, and denounced what they described as genocide. Similar rallies were held in Berlin, Brussels, and London, where thousands marched toward the prime minister’s residence. Tunisia’s capital, Nouakchott in Mauritania, and several German cities also witnessed mass protests.

In Sydney, demonstrators gathered outside Town Hall chanting solidarity slogans, while across Latin America, protests swept Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Bogotá, and Montevideo. Mexican demonstrators demanded the release of seven nationals detained in the raid, with legal representatives confirming Israel’s plan to charge them with trespassing and deport them. In Uruguay, protesters called for the imprisonment of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla reported that one vessel was rammed by an Israeli naval ship during the interception. Out of 44 vessels that departed, only four remained marked as “sailing” as of Thursday afternoon, according to live tracking data, with one vessel believed to have reached Gaza’s waters before communication was lost.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry, in a statement on its official X account, referred to the initiative as the “Hamas Flotilla.”