An attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip was once again jeopardized as Israeli forces intercepted part of a multinational flotilla heading to the coast. Activists from various countries, including Spain, Italy, Turkey, Malaysia, Tunisia, Brazil, and France, were on board. According to the latest reports, about two hundred people have been detained, including thirty Spaniards.
Israeli authorities have already announced that all those detained will be taken to port, where deportation procedures will begin. Meanwhile, some vessels from the flotilla managed to evade interception and are continuing towards Gaza, despite the threat of further detentions. The list of stopped ships includes names such as “Alma,” “Adara,” “Sirius,” “Aurora,” “Dir yassine,” “Grande Blu,” “Hio,” “Huga,” “Morgana,” “Otaria,” “Seulle,” “Spectre,” and “Yulara.”
The events sparked outrage in several countries. In Spain, students and activists took to the streets in most provincial capitals, demanding a halt to all relations with Israel and condemning what is happening in Palestine. Protests also took place in other countries, where citizens called for the immediate release of those detained.
Malaysia has officially demanded that Israel release its citizens who were among those detained. The country’s authorities emphasized that this was a peaceful humanitarian mission involving unarmed volunteers. In Spain, political forces are also calling on local parliaments to condemn the actions of the Israeli military, considering them a violation of international law and human rights. In particular, in Valencia, there is a demand for an official condemnation of the detention of deputy Juan Bordera.
There was also a response from Iran, where Israel’s actions in international waters were described as an act of terrorism, and the international community was urged to intervene. Meanwhile, governments of several countries continue to closely monitor the situation as protests in Spanish cities in support of the flotilla and the people of Gaza show no sign of abating.
