Protesters across Europe on Thursday railed at Israel's assault on a flotilla that was 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 Israeli genocidal attacks, before being intercepted by Israel on Wednesday.
Forty-one ships with more than 400 people aboard, including activists, politicians and climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, were attacked by the Israeli navy and prevented from reaching the coastal territory.
The navy forcibly commandeered boats and detained hundreds of passengers, including citizens from several European countries. The vessel Marinet continues sailing toward Gaza but is still far away after a late arrival due to technical malfunctions, according to organizers.
Some 15,000 people marched through Barcelona 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."
