ISLAMABAD: Protests have erupted worldwide following Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian-led convoy attempting to break the Gaza blockade.

The flotilla, carrying over 500 activists, aid workers, and humanitarian supplies, was intercepted by Israeli naval forces in international waters on Tuesday.

Here are the key global reactions:

Turkiye

The Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned Israel's actions, calling the intervention a blatant violation of international law. It urged the international community to take urgent steps to lift the Gaza blockade and facilitate aid delivery. In Istanbul, protesters gathered outside the Israeli consulate, demanding stronger action from the Turkish government. “Turkey should have done more to defend the convoy,” said Yusuf Miroglu, a protester.

In Ankara, demonstrators near the US embassy waved Turkish and Palestinian flags and chanted slogans supporting Gaza and Hamas. Protests have also spread to other cities, including Athens, Buenos Aires, Rome, Berlin, and Madrid.

Greece

In Athens, activists gathered outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, denouncing Israel’s interception of the flotilla. Groups like the "March to Gaza" coalition called the operation “piracy” and demanded the immediate release of those detained. The incident has sparked fierce criticism from both political groups and civil society.

Italy

In Italy, mass protests took place in Rome, Naples, and Turin against the Israeli naval action. The country’s largest labor unions, USB and CGIL, called a general strike on Friday in support of the flotilla and Gaza. In Naples, demonstrators held a symbolic sit-in on train tracks, while in Rome, protests spilled into the main railway station. Protesters chanted “Free Palestine” as they tried to enter Termini Station.

Argentina and Uruguay

Protests also took place in Latin America, with large rallies in Buenos Aires and Montevideo. In Buenos Aires, activist and lawyer Myriam Bregman condemned the interception as a criminal violation of international law. Juan Carlos Giordano, a former flotilla participant, defended the mission’s peaceful nature, saying, “We carry medicine and food, not weapons,” countering Israeli accusations of terrorism.

Colombia

In Bogotá, Colombia expelled Israeli embassy officials and suspended its free trade agreement with Israel. President Gustavo Petro labeled the interception an act of piracy and vowed to pursue legal action to free detained Colombian citizens aboard the flotilla.

South Africa

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned Israel’s actions as a serious violation of global solidarity efforts to alleviate Gaza’s suffering. He called for the immediate release of detained individuals, including South African citizens and Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, Nelson Mandela’s grandson, who was aboard the flotilla.

Global protests

More protests are expected globally, including a one-day general strike in Italy on Friday, organized by the country’s largest union. The international outcry highlights the growing frustration over the Gaza blockade and Israel’s use of military force against humanitarian missions.

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Global outrage over Israeli interception of Sumud flotilla