On October 2, Polish demonstrators splashed paint on the Israeli embassy in Warsaw, shattered its glass, and moved to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while earlier the Global Sumud flotilla carrying aid to Gaza was intercepted by Israel.
Protest at Israeli Embassy
On 2 October, a crowd of demonstrators gathered outside the Israeli embassy in Warsaw, protesting Poland’s perceived inaction over the Gaza genocide and the stopping of the Global Sumud flotilla. They sprayed red paint on the embassy building, shattered a glass window, and clashed with police. One protester called for the Israeli ambassador to be declared persona non grata and for economic sanctions against Israel.
Demonstrants Move to Ministry of Foreign Affairs
After 5 p.m. the protestors moved to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Szucha Street, where roughly 600 people gathered and shouted slogans such as “Break ties with Israel!” and “Arrest Netanyahu!”. Speeches were aimed at Minister Radosław Sikorski, with chants like “Shame on you, Radek!” and “Sikorski to resign!”. During the demonstration a male protester broke a glass pane at the ministry’s entrance and sprayed red paint, after which he was detained by police.
Flotilla Interception and Government Response
On 1 October, the Global Sumud flotilla (GSF) was intercepted and seized by Israeli forces while sailing in international waters. Polish members of the flotilla, including MP Franciszek Sterczewski, were detained. Deputy Foreign Minister Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski described the action as “not humanitarian but political propaganda” and said that Polish authorities would provide consular assistance. He added that assistance given to such activists is borne by the assisting countries, not by Polish taxpayers.
