global Outcry as Israel Intercepts Gaza-Bound Flotilla
Italian unions call for a general strike as global protests grow adn multiple governments criticise Israel.
Israel has intercepted the global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) while en route to Gaza, leading to swift criticism from global leaders as protesters gather in cities around the world, including Istanbul, Athens, Buenos Aires, Rome, Berlin, and Madrid, to condemn the raid.
At least 44 countries where represented in the 500-person flotilla, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Spain, Malaysia, Turkiye and Colombia.
Reactions from world leaders have ranged from outright condemnation to calls for Israel to provide their detained citizens with access to consular services.
here are some of the responses so far:
Turkiye
Turkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called Israel’s intervention “an act of terrorism” that violated international law and endangered the lives of innocent civilians.
The ministry saeid Israel’s actions also demonstrated that “the fascist and militarist policies pursued by the genocidal Netanyahu government – which has condemned Gaza to famine – are not limited to Palestinians”.
Malaysia
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called for the immediate release of Malaysian citizens. In a statement on X, he said it would take “all lawful and legally grounded measures to hold Israel accountable”.
Israel was not only disregarding “the basic rights of the Palestinian people but has also trampled on the conscience of the global community”, he said.
Colombia
President Gustavo Petro announced on X that his government was expelling Israeli diplomats and cancelling Colombia’s free trade agreement in light of Israel’s actions.
He said Colombia “must pursue all the appropriate demands, including through Israeli courts” to ensure the return of its citizens.