Protests erupted across Europe and North Africa after Israeli naval forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters. The convoy carried aid and 500 prominent activists from 44 countries, including politicians, doctors, journalists, and campaigners.
Organizers confirmed Israeli forces attacked nine vessels on Wednesday evening, cutting communications, while other boats continued sailing towards Gaza. Protesters denounced the raid as piracy and expressed solidarity with those detained at sea.
The first demonstrations began in Italy, where protesters occupied train stations in Naples, Rome, and Turin, chanting for Gaza. Large crowds marched in Milan, Bologna, Genoa, Florence, and Palermo, denouncing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s support for Israel.
Anger intensified after Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Israel assured him the operation would be “non-violent.” Italy’s largest trade union, CGIL, declared a nationwide strike for Friday in direct response to the flotilla’s seizure.
Mass protests spread across Europe
In Athens, thousands protested outside the Foreign Ministry, following strikes that halted trains, ferries, and taxis across Greece. Berlin saw major disruption as demonstrators occupied the central train station, halting services and covering its glass roof with Palestinian flags.
In Brussels, protesters filled Bourse Square before marching on the Foreign Ministry. In Geneva, crowds demanded the release of flotilla activists. In Barcelona, hundreds rallied at the Israeli consulate before blocking a major highway, with organizers calling for renewed protests.
Paris witnessed thousands occupying Place de la République, waving Palestinian flags and chanting for Gaza’s freedom.
In Turkey, thousands gathered outside the US Embassy in Ankara and the Israeli consulate in Istanbul, accusing both Washington and Tel Aviv of genocide. In Tunisia, demonstrators filled Habib Bourguiba Street, chanting “Resistance, resistance, no peace, no compromise.”
However, despite arrests and naval blockades, flotilla organizers declared their mission would continue. They vowed to challenge Israel’s blockade until Gaza is free.
