From the streets of Paris to the Colosseum in Rome, a wave of European protests has erupted after Israeli naval forces intercepted a humanitarian flotilla heading for Gaza in international waters, detaining more than 200 activists and drawing fierce condemnation from French and Italian political leaders.
Co-ordinated attack launched more than 900km from Gaza
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which set sail from Marseille, Barcelona and Syracuse, was encircled by military vessels off the coast of Greece, not far from Crete, in an operation that began on the night of April 29-30. According to the organisers, the interception took place approximately 600 nautical miles from Gaza – significantly farther out than in previous incidents.
Around 9 p.m., a co-ordinated assault was launched: radio communications were jammed, drones were deployed, and military vessels threatened activists with weapons. Participants were ordered to gather at the bow and kneel, while lasers and semi-automatic weapons were aimed at them.
Contact was lost with at least 11 vessels, and some ships issued SOS signals. Of the 58 ships involved, 22 were intercepted, with the remainder continuing their journey, according to the organisers.
Israel claims control operation; organisers denounce “illegal seizure”
The Israeli side stated that it had begun an operation to establish control over the vessels and stopped the flotilla before it entered what it called its “zone of responsibility.” The organisers, however, insist this was an unlawful interception in international waters.
Some vessels may have been left without steering after their engines were disabled, at a time when a severe storm was threatening the area.
Up to 211 people detained, including French and Ukrainian nationals
According to Global Sumud France, up to 211 people were intercepted, including 11 French citizens. The Israeli side has reported approximately 175 activists from more than 20 vessels. The flotilla included participants from at least 48 delegations from various countries.
Among those detained are activists from the international movement Révolution Permanente from Brazil, Spain and Argentina, including Mariona Tasker and Leandro Fredi. Additionally, according to Resistance Connections UA, a vessel carrying Ukrainian sociologist Nina Potarska and Ukrainian left-wing activist Andriy Movchan was intercepted – their whereabouts and condition remain unknown.
French political leaders demand immediate intervention
Fabien Roussel, national secretary of the French Communist Party, demanded the release of those detained – among them a representative of his party, Raphaëlle Primé. He said he had already approached France’s foreign minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, calling for urgent intervention and describing the incident as “the kidnapping of crews.”
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of La France Insoumise (France Unbowed), also condemned Israel’s actions, labelling them “acts of piracy and abduction” directed against a peaceful humanitarian mission. He urged people to take to the streets of French cities in protest.
In a post on X, Mélenchon wrote: “Where is France? What are Mr Macron and Mr Barrot doing? Netanyahu is attacking a flotilla heading to Gaza and is abducting 211 people in international waters. Is there no one in the state apparatus who would demand the immediate and unconditional release of the 15 abducted French citizens? Who would condemn these violations of international law? This silence shames us.”
In a further post, he declared: “Urgent message! Tonight, dozens of vessels from the flotilla heading to Gaza were attacked by Netanyahu’s army in international waters – more than 900km from Gaza! The ships have been damaged, and peaceful activists have been abducted. France must act with maximum urgency to secure their release and condemn these fresh serious violations of international law. Total mobilisation! We gather today at 6:30 p.m. at Place de la République in Paris.”
Italy: Thousands march in Rome, Milan, Naples and Turin as Meloni’s response criticised
On Thursday, thousands of people took to the streets of several Italian cities to protest against Israel’s attack on the Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla.
Demonstrations took place in major cities, including Rome, Milan, Naples and Turin. In Rome, protesters gathered near the Colosseum before marching through the city centre, passing Piazza Venezia, the Monti district and Termini railway station.
Many demonstrators carried Palestinian flags and expressed solidarity with both the flotilla and the people of Gaza.
Addressing the march, Maya Issa, president of the Palestinian student movement in Italy, called the incident “piracy” and suggested it might amount to “a declaration of war,” arguing that vessels sailing under the flags of other states had been attacked.
She also criticised Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni’s response as insufficient, urging the government to take a clearer political stance, recall its ambassador from Israel, and push for the release of those detained from the flotilla.
In Milan, Italy’s second-largest city, thousands gathered outside the prefecture building before marching to Piazzale Loreto. Across the country, protesters chanted slogans including “Free Palestine” and called for an end to Israel’s attacks.
The demonstrations reflect growing public concern across Europe over the incident and the wider situation in Gaza.
