Israeli Navy halts Global Sumud Flotilla as protests spread

Hundreds of international activists aboard an aid flotilla were intercepted by the Israeli navy off Gaza’s coast this week, sparking mass protests across Europe and beyond and escalating diplomatic and political tensions in several countries. The Global Sumud Flotilla, which sailed from Barcelona in September to challenge Israel’s maritime blockade and carry a symbolic quantity of humanitarian supplies, was stopped beginning Wednesday, officials and organisers said.

Organisers said nearly 50 boats carrying about 500 people, including prominent activists and elected officials, were halted as they neared Gaza. An Israeli official described the operation as stopping 41 ships with more than 400 people aboard. Videos shared by participants showed Israeli naval vessels approaching flotilla boats and instructing them to shut off engines. Israeli police said more than 470 flotilla participants were taken into custody, screened and transferred to prison authorities. Reporters Without Borders said more than 20 journalists were among those detained. Diplomats from at least 16 countries visited detainees at Saharonim Prison in Israel, officials said.

The interception prompted a wave of...