Two thousand people gathered outside the Brussels Stock Exchange on Monday evening to protest against Israel’s interception of the humanitarian vessel Madleen and the ongoing violence in the Gaza Strip.
The Madleen, carrying humanitarian aid and 12 pro-Palestinian activists, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and French MEP Rima Hassan, was intercepted while attempting to reach Gaza.
The boat, part of the Flotilla for the Liberation of Gaza, set sail from Sicily on 1 June aiming to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza.
On Sunday night, the Israeli military intercepted the vessel in international waters, later towing it to the Israeli port of Ashdod. The 12 activists will be deported to their home countries, according to Israeli authorities.
Protesters in Brussels expressed outrage at the Israeli navy’s actions, demanding an end to Israel’s invasion and occupation of Gaza.
They accused the Israeli army of committing genocide in Palestinian territory and called on Europe and the international community to take immediate action against Israel.
