Israel seized around 50 boats carrying activists, including Greta Thunberg, who attempted to breach its blockade of the enclave

Violent clashes have erupted in London between police and activists protesting Israel's seizure of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. Demonstrators accused the UK of failing to pressure the Jewish state to release the flotilla and demanded stronger action.

The Global Sumud flotilla, which set sail from Spain a month ago to challenge Israel's blockade of Gaza and bring aid, carried more than 400 people from 44 countries, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. The group was intercepted on Wednesday. Israel's Foreign Ministry dismissed its mission as a "provocation" in violation of what it called a "lawful naval blockade."

Demonstrators gathered in Parliament Square late on Thursday to demand the activists' release.

"We are here today as part of a global protest against the atrocities of Israel, against... blocking any form of humanitarian aid to reach the people of Gaza," one protester told Ruptly. Another said: "The Israeli entity has been breaking every international law... The UK needs to act now and protect the civilians [who] were trying simply to send baby formula to dying babies in Gaza."

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The rally turned violent when protesters attempted to march on Downing Street, the residence of the prime minister. Footage showed officers scuffling with demonstrators and pushing some into police vans. Authorities later said 40 people were arrested. Around 300 people took part in the protest.

Demonstrations against the flotilla's detention were held globally, including in Spain, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Malaysia, France and Belgium.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned the flotilla seizure as a violation of international law, arguing Israel has no sovereignty over Palestinian waters, including off Gaza. Israeli officials later said the detained activists were "safe" and were being transferred to Israel before deportation to Europe.

The Gaza conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages. The humanitarian crisis has since worsened as Israeli forces push into Gaza City, one of the last areas outside IDF control. More than 66,000 Palestinians have been killed and nearly the entire enclave displaced, while a UN commission has described Israel's actions as genocide.

(RT.com)