Hundreds of protesters gathered at Glasgow Central station last night (Thursday 2nd October) in solidarity with the Global Sumud Flotilla, which had attempted to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza by sea.
The protest was held after the 42-vessel flotilla was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters the previous night, preventing aid from reaching the famine-stricken territory. Those onboard were detained, with over 450 people in custody including four Scots alongside politicians, lawyers, journalists and activists including Greta Thunberg.
Marie, an organiser with the Gaza Genocide Emergency Committee, said: “I have indescribable respect for the people on all those boats. They are the heroes of our time and the courage is beyond amazing.”
Protesters demanded the Scottish and UK governments act to support the Scots now in Israeli detention and denounced Israel’s actions as a breach of international law.
One protester said: “The flotilla was in international waters and then in Palestinian territory. Israel is not allowed to block aid from entering Gaza and that’s exactly what they’re doing. Governments need to enforce the law.”
Israeli authorities said the detainees will face deportation to their home countries, while flotilla organisers have announced a new wave of 10 vessels sailing from Italy will again attempt to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza.
Similar solidarity protests were held in cities worldwide yesterday, including Edinburgh, Dundee and Inverness. Organisers announced that another demonstration for Palestine will take place on October 11 at Glasgow Green.
