Protests have erupted across several world capitals after Israeli forces intercepted and detained participants from the Global Samoud Flotilla, a Gaza-bound mission carrying humanitarian aid.
Demonstrations have been reported in Mexico City, Bogotá, Buenos Aires, Madrid, and other major cities, as anger mounts over the treatment of detained activists.
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In Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, crowds gathered to demand the release of Celeste Fierro, a city legislator-elect for the Workers’ Socialist Movement. Fierro was on board the Adara ship, one of the flotilla vessels intercepted by the Israeli navy.
“The colleagues who are there are in a difficult situation, but we are monitoring it,” Sergio Garcia told AP at the protest. He urged Argentina’s Foreign Ministry to intervene so Fierro could return safely.
200+ activists from 37 countries detained
According to flotilla spokesperson Saif Abukeshek, Israeli forces intercepted 13 vessels, detaining more than 201 people from 37 countries. Those on board included 30 activists from Spain, 22 from Italy, 21 from Türkiye, and 12 from Malaysia.
Despite the arrests, Abukeshek stressed that the mission continues. “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.”
Flotilla vows to continue mission
The Global Samoud Flotilla said in a statement that Israeli actions would not deter them from their mission. “We continue on our mission to break the siege and open a humanitarian corridor,” the group declared.
The activist-led flotilla originally set sail with about 40 vessels. While 13 were intercepted, nearly 30 boats reportedly evaded Israeli forces and remain en route, just 85 kilometers (46 nautical miles) from Gaza’s coast.
Protests have since spread across Europe and the Middle East. Demonstrators took to the streets in Italy, Greece, Germany, Brussels, and Tunisia, while in Türkiye, crowds gathered outside the U.S. and Israeli embassies to denounce the naval raids.
Activists worldwide have framed the flotilla’s interception as an attack not only on humanitarian aid but also on international solidarity with Palestinians under siege in Gaza.
