Global Protests Erupt After Israel Seizes Gaza Flotilla

The detention of the "Sumud" humanitarian flotilla bound for the Gaza Strip by Israel has sparked widespread protests and international condemnation.

Protests have taken place in Florence, Berlin, Paris, Rome, Brussels, Athens, Barcelona, Ankara, and Istanbul. In many Italian cities, including Rome, Naples, Genoa, Milan, Turin, Florence, and Pisa, protesters blocked railway lines. In Istanbul and Barcelona, thousands gathered in front of Israeli consulates to express their protest, while in Ankara, the demonstrations took place in front of the US embassy.

Official reactions are also ongoing. The Turkish Foreign Ministry has described the detention of the "Sumud" flotilla by Israel as a "terrorist act." The ministry's statement said that these actions "grossly violate international law and endanger the lives of innocent civilians." The Turkish Foreign Ministry expressed hope that this detention "will not harm the efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza" and stressed the need to hold "those responsible for the attack" accountable.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also strongly condemned the incident. "Pakistan strongly condemns the cowardly attack by Israeli forces on the Gaza 'Sumud' flotilla, which consists of 40 ships and carries more than 450 humanitarian workers from 44 countries," Sharif stated. He added: "This cruelty must stop. Peace must be given a chance, and humanitarian aid must reach those who need it."