Rome Protests Against Blockade spread across the world after Israel intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla on its way to Gaza. Demonstrations took place in Istanbul. Athens. Buenos Aires. Rome. Berlin and Madrid as governments condemned the raid.
The flotilla carried 500 activists from 44 countries. including the United States. United Kingdom. Belgium. Spain. Malaysia. Turkiye and Colombia. The mission sought to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge Israel’s blockade.
Italy’s largest union CGIL announced a general strike in solidarity with Gaza. Union leader Maurizio Landini called the raid an act of war. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini accused unions of creating chaos. while Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni urged restraint.
International criticism grew rapidly. Ireland. Pakistan. Belgium. France. the United States. Turkiye. Malaysia. South Africa. and Colombia demanded accountability. The United Nations rapporteur Francesca Albanese said Israel’s actions exposed the failure of the West to act.
The interception coincided with Israeli bombardments in Gaza that killed civilians. Governments and activists said the Protests Against Blockade show rising frustration and urgent humanitarian needs.
