Thousands of protesters gathered in Barcelona on Thursday to occupy parts of the port and coastal road in solidarity with the Global Sumud Flotilla, following Israel's interception of nearly all its vessels.
Footage shows protesters clashing with Catalan police as they attempt to clear barricades, while others block traffic and gather in nearby squares. Crowds are seen chanting slogans, waving flags, and staining their hands red to represent the ‘blood’ of killed Palestinians.
It comes after Israeli forces intercepted all ships from the Global Sumud Flotilla, detaining hundreds of activists from across the world, including Greta Thunberg and 65 Spanish citizens, and transferring them to an Israeli port, Ashdod, for deportation. The sole boat remaining, the Marinette, has now also been captured.
Organisers branded the raid 'illegal abduction', claiming Israeli forces cut communications, rammed vessels, and deployed water cannons against activists. They also stated that the remaining ship would continue its mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. In turn, Israel described the fleet as a 'political provocation', accusing some participants of links to Hamas, an allegation strongly rejected by organisers.
Protests have erupted worldwide, including large demonstrations in Italy, France, Greece, and Belgium. Turkey denounced the raid as an 'act of terrorism' and launched a criminal investigation on charges including torture and deprivation of liberty. Colombia expelled Israeli diplomats and cancelled a trade deal.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez explained that the Israeli actions against the Global Sumud Flotilla were ‘a violation of international law’ and would not have occurred if the blockade had not been in place.
Flotilla missions have sought to break the blockade of Gaza since 2008. Israel has intercepted attempts by sea, including the 2010 Mavi Marmara raid, in which ten Turkish activists were killed.
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