Israel’s interception of several vessels of the Global Sumud flotilla carrying aid to Gaza has sparked global reactions and even protests in some countries as people condemn the act.
Countries in Europe Africa and Asia have united in their calling for Israel to respect international law and human rights in its handling of the occupants of the vessels in the flotilla.
Spokesperson for the British government released a statement saying they had been in touch with Israel.
"We have been in contact with the Israeli authorities to make clear that we expect the situation to be resolved safely, in line with international law and with due respect for the rights of all those on board.
"The aid carried by the flotilla should be turned over to humanitarian organisations on the ground to be delivered safely into Gaza. It is the responsibility of the Israeli government to resolve the atrocious humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
South Africa also joined the international calls especially as Mandla Mandela the grandson of its former President Nelson Mandela is thought to be in the flotilla.
"The interception in international waters off the coast of Gaza reinforces Israel’s continued violation of international law and infliction of suffering, including starvation, on the Palestinian people..."
"South Africa calls on Israel to ensure that the life-saving cargo transported by this flotilla reaches the people of Gaza, as the flotilla represents solidarity with Gaza, not confrontation with Israel," it said in a statement on Thursday.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has ordered the expulsion of Israel’s entire diplomatic delegation, following the detention of two Colombian women who were part of the humanitarian flotilla.
Calling the detentions a potential “new international crime” Petro also announced the immediate termination of Colombia’s free trade agreement with Israel.
And Türkiye’s foreign ministry called it “an act of terror” that endangered the lives of innocent civilians.
In Istanbul hundreds of demonstrators gathered in support of Palestinians and in condemnation of Israeli actions.
Protesters assembled outside the Israeli consulate, chanting anti-Israel slogans and urging the Turkish government to take stronger measures in defence of the flotilla.
In Buenos Aires, protesters took to the streets demanding the release of the detained activists. Organisers called the interception a criminal attack and urged world leaders to condemn Israel.
In Greece, many also gathered outside the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The flotilla consists of 40 civilian boats carrying around 500 people including parliamentarians, lawyers and activists, and aims to break Israel's blockade of Gaza.
Israel's Foreign Ministry said several vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) had been "safely stopped" and those aboard were being transferred to an Israeli port to be deported.
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Train passengers across Italy faced delays of up to three hours on Saturday after suspected acts of sabotage disrupted rail infrastructure near the northern city of Bologna, coinciding with the first full day of the Winter Olympic Games.
A Japanese city near Mount Fuji has cancelled its annual cherry blossom festival, saying growing numbers of badly behaved tourists are disrupting daily life for residents.
Speedskater Francesca Lollobrigida has given host nation Italy its first gold medal of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, winning the women’s 3,000 metres in Olympic-record time on Saturday.
Russia launched a large-scale overnight attack on Ukraine’s energy system early on Saturday (7 January), hitting power generation and distribution facilities with more than 400 drones and around 40 missiles, Ukrainian officials have said.
Storm Leonardo hit Spain and Portugal on Tuesday, forcing more than 11,000 people from their homes, as a man in Portugal died after his car was swept away by floodwaters and a second body was found in Malaga.
Winter weather has brought air travel in the German capital to a complete halt, stranding thousands of passengers as severe icing conditions make runways and aircraft unsafe for operation and force authorities to shut down one of Europe’s key transport hubs.
An attacker opened fire at the gates of a Shiite Muslim mosque in Islamabad on Friday before detonating a suicide bomb that killed at least 31 people in the deadliest assault of its kind in the capital in more than a decade.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 6th of February, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Greek authorities said they have arrested a member of the armed forces on suspicion of leaking highly sensitive military information to foreign handlers allegedly linked to China.
Train passengers across Italy faced delays of up to three hours on Saturday after suspected acts of sabotage disrupted rail infrastructure near the northern city of Bologna, coinciding with the first full day of the Winter Olympic Games.
Speedskater Francesca Lollobrigida has given host nation Italy its first gold medal of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, winning the women’s 3,000 metres in Olympic-record time on Saturday.
France and Canada opened new consulates in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, on Friday, stepping up their Arctic presence in a show of support for Denmark, a NATO ally, amid renewed demands by U.S. President Donald Trump to acquire the strategically located territory.
Russia launched a large-scale overnight attack on Ukraine’s energy system early on Saturday (7 January), hitting power generation and distribution facilities with more than 400 drones and around 40 missiles, Ukrainian officials have said.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 7th of February, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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