Polish citizens, including opposition MP Franciszek Sterczewski, gathered in Rome, Istanbul, Buenos Aires, Athens, Brussels, Milan and Naples to protest Israel’s seizure of the Global Sumud flotilla headed for Gaza.
Worldwide Protest Marches in Support of Gaza
In Rome, a crowd of roughly 10,000 assembled at Termini railway station, chanting “Let’s block everything” in support of the flotilla. Similar demonstrations were staged in Istanbul, Buenos Aires, Athens, Brussels, Milan and Naples. Protesters in Naples blocked train tracks in a symbolic act of resistance.
Polish Foreign Ministry Monitors Situation
The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed it was monitoring the Global Sumud flotilla and maintaining contact with Israeli authorities. Polish citizens on board the humanitarian ships, including MP Franciszek Sterczewski, will receive protective assistance within the rights and realities of wartime operations.
Israel Confirms Arrests of Flotilla Vessels
Israeli officials reported that several dozen vessels of the international flotilla heading towards Gaza were seized, with crews transported to an Israeli port. Earlier, ships such as Alma, Sirius and Adara were surrounded and stopped by Israeli naval forces. No members of the flotilla were harmed.
MP Sterczewski Declares Abduction by Occupying Forces
During a televised statement, Sterczewski said he was abducted by Israeli occupation forces in international waters. He urged Polish authorities to intervene and requested support for himself and his fellow passengers, including Omar Faris, a Polish activist who was also removed from the Alma.
