Protests Erupt in London to Support Gaza Flotilla Activists
(MENAFN) Hundreds gathered in central London Thursday to protest the illegal detention of Global Sumud Flotilla activists by Israeli forces. The demonstration took place at Parliament Square following an Israeli naval assault on an international aid flotilla headed to the Gaza Strip, resulting in the capture of at least 443 activists.
Pro-Palestine supporters waved Palestinian flags and shouted slogans including "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free," showing solidarity with those detained. The crowd also condemned the British government, accusing it of being "complicit in Israel's genocide" in Gaza.
As the protest attempted to move toward Trafalgar Square, police officers blocked their path, surrounding the group to prevent further movement. Several protesters were arrested, although the Metropolitan Police had not issued an official statement on the arrests by 8 p.m. local time (1900 GMT).
Earlier Thursday, the Global Sumud Flotilla released a statement describing the activists' forced removal from their vessels by Israeli forces as an “unlawful abduction.” The group confirmed that 443 activists from 47 countries were being transferred to Ashdod Port in southern Israel.
Those detained represented a broad range of nationalities, including Spaniards, Italians, Brazilians, Turks, Greeks, Americans, Germans, Swedes, British, and French citizens, among others.
The flotilla, primarily carrying humanitarian and medical aid, departed in late August. It marked the first time in years that roughly 50 ships sailed together toward Gaza, transporting hundreds of civilian supporters.
Israel has enforced a blockade on Gaza, home to nearly 2.4 million people, for nearly 18 years. The siege intensified in March when border crossings were closed and food and medical supplies were blocked, driving the region toward famine.
Since October 2023, Israeli airstrikes have killed more than 66,200 Palestinians, predominantly women and children. The United Nations and human rights organizations have repeatedly warned that Gaza is becoming uninhabitable, with starvation and disease spreading at alarming rates.
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