Interception of Gaza flotilla condemned
ROME — Israel's interception of an international flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza has sparked condemnation across Europe, with governments urging Israel to ensure the safety of their citizens aboard the Gaza-bound vessels.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry said on Thursday in a statement that the Israeli Navy has completed taking over the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla.
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.
The Israeli military intercepted the last boat of the aid flotilla attempting to reach Gaza on Friday, the organizers said. They said the vessel, Marinette, was intercepted on Friday morning.
Greek lawmakers on Thursday strongly condemned the interception of the flotilla, urging the government to ensure the safety of Greek citizens on board, including a sitting member of parliament.
Italy saw some of the largest demonstrations. 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".
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed around 40 Italians were detained, saying Israel's actions had gone "well beyond" legitimate self-defense.
Israel's Foreign Ministry said on Friday that it deported four Italian activists who were on board the flotilla, adding that "the rest are in the process of being deported".
Portuguese authorities confirmed that three citizens, including a member of parliament, have been detained. Portuguese political figures voiced strong reactions on Thursday to Israel's detention of the three nationals, calling for their safe return and sharply criticizing Israel's actions.
Full support
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa pledged to provide "full consular support" through the embassy in Tel Aviv to ensure their rights and safe return.
In Germany, officials said that they were in contact with Israel to ensure the safety of passengers. Thousands of people rallied in Berlin on 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.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, Israeli strikes and gunfire killed at least 57 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, health officials said on Thursday, as Hamas was still considering its response to US President Donald Trump's proposal for ending the nearly two-year fighting.
The plan requires Hamas to return all 48 hostages — about 20 of them thought by Israel to be still alive — give up power and disarm in return for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and an end to fighting. However, the proposal, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted, sets no path to Palestinian statehood.
Palestinians long for the conflict to end, but many believe the plan favors Israel, and a Hamas official told The Associated Press that some elements were unacceptable, without elaborating. Qatar and Egypt, two key mediators, said that certain elements require further negotiations.
A Hamas official told AFP on Friday that the group needed more time to study the peace plan.
"Hamas is still continuing consultations regarding Trump's plan… and has informed mediators that the consultations are ongoing and need some time," the official said on condition of anonymity.
Xinhua—Agencies
