Around 400 people gathered in Barcelona on Thursday to demand the release of Global Sumud Flotilla members, intercepted by Israel, and called for European Union condemnation of the action. The demonstration, which started in Plaça de Sants, later saw protesters clash with Mossos d'Esquadra outside the Israeli consulate.

Organised by Open Arms and Prou Complicitat, demonstrators waved Palestinian flags and chanted slogans against Israel. Plaça de Sants, a significant public square in the Sants-Montjuïc district, often serves as a starting point for city demonstrations. After assembling there, a group moved towards the Israeli consulate.

The consulate is located on Gran Via de Carles III, near Avinguda Diagonal. Protesters faced a strong police presence from the Mossos d'Esquadra, who prevented them from blocking Avinguda Diagonal. Demonstrators threw pyrotechnics, flares, bottles, and stones at the police line, also moving containers, according to Freedom Flotilla Coalition official site. Police intervened against the demonstrators around 21:15.

Flotilla Interception Details

Israeli forces detained around 175 activists, including about 30 Spaniards. These individuals were aboard 22 of the 58 Global Sumud Flotilla vessels. The interception occurred in international waters south of Greece, approximately 1,000 kilometres from the coasts of the Gaza Strip and Israel. Pablo Castilla, spokesperson for the Global Sumud Flotilla, called the action a "violation of international law."

Mr Castilla criticised Frontex and Greek authorities for not responding to the expedition's "call for help" during the interception. He urged European institutions to condemn the attack and break their association agreement with Israel. He also asked the Spanish government to impose a "true arms embargo" on the country.

Humanitarian Blockade Concerns

Ángeles Schjaer, a representative for the NGO Proactiva Open Arms, stated the flotilla aims to overcome the blockade Israel imposes on Palestine. She also criticised Frontex, comparing its actions to those against migrant boats. Organisations like Open Arms regularly highlight the humanitarian crisis in the territory.

Ms Schjaer explained that teams are now towing vessels Israel abandoned at sea. They are also trying to locate other boats missing after the assault. The expedition plans to spend the night in a "safe port" due to poor sea conditions expected in the coming hours.

Gaza Humanitarian Situation Highlighted

Ibrahim Beisani, a representative of the Comunitat Palestina de Catalunya, highlighted the humanitarian situation in Gaza. He stated that the Israeli army has dropped over 200 tonnes of bombs on Gaza in the last two years. He also claimed over 70,000 people have died and more than 172,000 have been injured. "This represents almost a 10% of the population," Mr Beisani said.

Mr Beisani called on the Spanish Government and the European Commission to act. He urged them to secure the release of those detained from the flotilla. He added, "Their only fault is carrying food and medicine to people besieged and blocked for more than two years."

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Originally published by Europa Press Barcelona. Read original article.