Global Sumud Flotilla: Rallies against Israel's interception, detention of volunteers sweep Europe

Demonstrators wave Palestinian flags as they take part in a rally in solidarity with Palestinians and to condemn the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla by Israeli army, in Istanbul on October 2, 2025. Turkey's President on October 2, 2025, accused Israel of "brutality" in boarding an aid flotilla that said it was sailing to help Palestinians suffering under the offensive in Gaza, after Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound flotilla carrying activists and humanitarian aid to the devastated Palestinian territory. (Photo by KEMAL ASLAN / AFP)

PARIS (AFP): Protesters across Europe Thursday (Oct 2) railed at Israel's interception of a flotilla carrying aid for Gaza's besieged Palestinians, urging greater sanctions from European governments in response.

The Global Sumud Flotilla set sail from Barcelona last month to challenge Israel's blockade of Gaza, where the United Nations reports famine conditions after nearly two years of the Israel-Hamas war, before being intercepted by Israel from Wednesday (Oct 1).