Heavy Police Presence in Ashdod
JERUSALEM (AP) — On Thursday, Israeli authorities deployed hundreds of police officers to Ashdod, where they processed around 450 international activists who had been detained by Israeli naval forces earlier in the Mediterranean Sea.
Activists Attempt to Break Gaza Blockade
The group, which included European lawmakers, was participating in a flotilla aimed at challenging Israel’s blockade of Gaza when their ships were intercepted. The operation has drawn international condemnation and ignited protests worldwide.
Largest Flotilla Yet Amid Increasing Criticism
Identified as the Global Sumud Flotilla, this was the largest attempt to break the blockade; it launched amid rising criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, which have significantly impacted the territory and resulted in thousands of deaths.
Response from Israeli Authorities
Despite activists hoping that the number of boats would complicate interception efforts, Israel declared the operation concluded by Thursday afternoon. Police shared footage of around 600 officers registering the detained activists during the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur.
Global Protests Erupt
Following the interception, thousands rallied in significant cities to denounce the Israeli operation, with Italy’s largest union calling for a one-day general strike. Although many protests were peaceful, some clashes occurred in Paris and Barcelona.
Flotilla’s Goals and Israeli Justifications
The flotilla, consisting of over 40 boats and 450 travelers carrying a small amount of humanitarian aid, seeks to establish a maritime corridor due to insufficient aid reaching Gaza. Israel views this as a provocation, asserting that there are alternative methods to supply aid.
International Backlash
Countries like Turkey and Colombia condemned Israel’s actions, with Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro announcing the expulsion of Israel’s diplomatic delegation in response to the interception. The ongoing siege of Gaza has been labeled as genocidal by various officials, a claim Israel strongly refutes.
