Rome, Oct 3(HS): Demonstrations broke out across multiple continents on Thursday after Israel blocked a flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, intensifying criticism of the blockade as famine conditions persist in the war-battered territory.The flotilla, comprising 41 vessels and more than 400 passengers including politicians, activists and climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, was stopped by the Israeli navy before reaching Gaza. Among those on board were former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau and Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Mandla Mandela, who now face deportation.
The incident immediately triggered a wave of street protests. In Barcelona, an estimated 15,000 demonstrators marched through the city, chanting pro-Palestinian slogans and clashing with police when some tried to breach barriers. In Dublin, hundreds gathered outside parliament, with relatives of aid volunteers expressing both pride and concern.
Major rallies also erupted in Paris, Marseille, Berlin, The Hague, Geneva, Athens and Brussels, where protesters demanded the European Union reconsider its financial and political ties with Israel.
In Rome, unions announced a nationwide strike in solidarity with the flotilla, while marches also stretched across other Italian cities including Milan, Florence and Bologna.
In Turkey, thousands rallied outside the Israeli embassy in Istanbul, with participants demanding stronger international sanctions. Protests were also recorded in Tunis, Brasilia, Buenos Aires and Kuala Lumpur, where demonstrators voiced anger outside the U.S. embassy, accusing Washington of shielding Israel diplomatically.
Activists described Israel’s move as a “barbaric escalation” and “an attack on humanity,” while organisers of the Sumud Flotilla insisted their mission carried only essential supplies, including food for children.
The interception of the aid convoy has reignited debate over Israel’s blockade of Gaza, drawing parallels with anti-apartheid movements and fueling calls for stronger international action.
For many protesters, it was a moment to signal that the suffering of civilians in Gaza cannot be ignored — and that humanitarian aid should never be blocked at sea.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
