World condemns Israeli interception of Gaza-bound flotilla, calls for citizen safety

Israel's interception of an international flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza has sparked global condemnation, with European governments urging Israel to ensure the safety of their citizens aboard the Gaza-bound vessels. Protesters worldwide condemned the interception, calling for greater sanctions in response.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry said Thursday in a statement that the Israeli Navy has completed taking over the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF).

The GSF, comprising some 50 vessels with over 500 volunteers from more than 40 countries, aims to challenge Israel's naval blockade and deliver food and medical aid to Palestinians.

All the aid vessels have been stopped in the Mediterranean Sea, except for one that "remains at a distance" from Gaza, the ministry said. It warned of taking further action against the last vessel if it approaches. All passengers are in good health, "making their way safely to Israel, from where they will be deported to Europe," it added.

Greek lawmakers on Thursday strongly condemned the interception, urging the government to ensure the safety of Greek citizens on board, including a sitting member of parliament. Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis said Greece, in cooperation with other countries, "will do everything in our power to ensure full security for these citizens."

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed around 40 Italians were detained, saying Israel's actions had gone "well beyond" legitimate self-defense. On Wednesday night, thousands rallied in Rome, Milan, Naples and other cities after the flotilla was seized, occupying train stations and staging university sit-ins. Unions called a general strike, declaring the attack on civilian ships "an assault on humanitarian solidarity."

In Germany, officials said they were in contact with Israel to ensure passengers' safety. Thousands of people rallied in Berlin Saturday.

The Netherlands reported six citizens detained. The Dutch Foreign Ministry called for their protection as protesters rallied in The Hague.

Britain's Foreign Office confirmed contact with families of nationals aboard and said it expected Israel to resolve the matter safely.

Besides, Portugal, France, and Spain condemned Israel earlier and expressed concern for their citizens.

In Barcelona, around 15,000 people marched in protest at Israel's actions, according to the municipal police force in Spain's second city, chanting slogans including "Gaza, you are not alone," "Boycott Israel" and "Freedom for Palestine."

In France, around a thousand people marched in Paris's Place de la Republique, an AFP journalist saw, while in the port city of Marseille, around 100 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested in the afternoon after attempting to block access to offices of weapons maker Eurolinks, accused of selling military components to Israel.

On Thursday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said the Israeli move was "an act of terrorism that gravely violates international law and endangers the lives of innocent civilians."

Meanwhile, the chief public prosecutors' offices in Istanbul and Ankara announced an investigation into Israel's detention of 24 Turkish citizens on board the GSF, with charges including "deprivation of liberty," "hijacking or seizure of transport vehicles," "aggravated looting," "damage to property" and "torture."

The Jordanian Foreign Ministry also condemned the Israeli move in a statement released Thursday, calling it a flagrant violation of international law, a threat to freedom of navigation, and an endangerment to civilian lives.

The latest round of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has dragged on for nearly two years, claiming more than 65,000 lives in Gaza, nearly half of them women and children, and leaving 2 million people mired in a humanitarian catastrophe.

(With input from agencies)