As Israeli forces began their long anticipated interception of a pro-Palestinian flotilla nearing war-torn Gaza, the ripples of the event spread across the world, triggering mass demonstrations, diplomatic censure and threats of strikes.
In Italy, which saw a general strike in support of the flotilla last month, thousands turned out in cities across the country to back the Global Sumud Flotilla, which consists of more than 40 civilian boats carrying about 500 parliamentarians, lawyers and activists including Greta Thunberg.
Protests were also reported in Brussel, Athens, Buenos Aires and Berlin, while the Spanish government called on Israel to protect the safety and rights of activists.
In Rome, hundreds chanting “let’s block everything” gathered in front of the city’s Termini station, prompting authorities to limit access and close some metro stops. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched in Milan, Turin and Genoa, while protesters in Naples and Pisa briefly occupied station platforms and blocked trains. Thousands also gathered in Bologna carrying banners and flags.
Italian media estimated 10,000 protesters had taken to the streets of Rome in support of the Flotilla, while local television networks speculated on the fate of the several Italian parliamentarians who were part of the flotilla.
Right: Protesters in Rome march with signs calling for a general strike. Photograph: Luca Zennaro/EPA
Demonstrators chanted slogans such as “Free Palestine” and called for the resignation of prime minister Giorgia Meloni, with the spontaneous protests garnering wall-to-wall coverage across Italian news channels. Two of the country’s largest unions called a general strike for Friday.
“The aggression against civilian ships that were carrying Italian citizens is an extremely serious matter,” the CGIL union said, calling the strike which other smaller unions said they would join. The USB union said it intended to block the port of Genoa. Over the past two weeks, protesting Italian dockworkers have prevented various ships from docking and loading, targeting vessels they say are involved in trade with Israel.
Israel’s navy had previously warned the flotilla it was approaching an active combat zone and asked them to change course. It had offered to transfer any aid peacefully through safe channels to Gaza, denouncing the mission as a stunt.
The boarding of the boats and detention of the activists, set off a wave of diplomatic reprimands from around the world. Turkey’s foreign ministry called Israel’s “attack” on the flotilla “an act of terror” that endangered the lives of innocent civilians.
Ireland’s foreign minister called the flotilla a “peaceful mission to shine a light on a horrific humanitarian catastrophe.” An Irish senator was known to be on board one of the vessels and representatives of his party, Sinn Féin, accused Israel of “kidnapping” those on board.
Colombian president Gustavo Petro on Wednesday expelled all remaining Israeli diplomats from the country over what he called “a new international crime” by Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The leftist Petro severed relations with Israel last year but four diplomats remained posted in the country, a source at the Israeli consulate in Bogotá told Agence France-Presse.
He also called for the release of two Colombian women “who were engaged in human solidarity activities with Palestine” as part of the flotilla and who had been detained by Israeli forces.
Petro used a speech before the UN general assembly last week to criticise Israel’s war in Gaza and called for “criminal proceedings” against Donald Trump over the US strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean. In response, the US state department announced it would be revoking his visa.
Mexico’s foreign ministry demanded the rights of their citizens on the flotilla be respected, while Brazil’s government implored Israel to “immediately and unconditionally lift all restrictions on the entry and distribution of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip”.
Malaysian prime minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned the interception, saying “These vessels carried unarmed civilians and life-saving humanitarian supplies for Gaza, yet they were met with intimidation and coercion.”
Malaysian volunteers on the flotilla mission include singer Zizi Kirana, who released a video to report their arrest by Israeli forces. Anwar said he would use “all legitimate and lawful means” to hold Israel accountable over the detention of the Malaysians.
