'Where does the blockade begin? Here too!' - Hundreds demand release of Sumud Flotilla activists at Barcelona rally

"Hundreds of Demonstrators gathered in Barcelona on Saturday to demand the release of Gaza-bound flotilla activists detained by Israeli forces. Footage shows protesters chanting, waving Palestinian flags and holding signs calling for the release of Saif Abukeshek and Thiago Avila. "It is a hard moment. I have three kids at home who still don't know anything. My daughter had her birthday yesterday and was waiting for a call from her father. It is a difficult moment, and right now I am thinking of everyone. All the Palestinian women who have a son, a husband, or a father detained in Israel without rights," an activist said. "I am thinking about the flotilla and the kidnapping of Saif and Thiago in international waters off Greece. I am thinking. Where does this blockade begin? Where does this blockade begin? Where do we have the occupation? Here too. That is why we must keep fighting. We have to keep mobilising," she added. It comes after Israel has started intercepting the Global Sumud flotilla, a multinational civilian mission that had set sail from Barcelona in April carrying humanitarian aid amid the long-running blockade on Gaza. Around 175 activists aboard more than 20 vessels were detained after Israeli naval forces stopped the convoy in international waters near Crete, according to officials. Human rights groups described the mission as a peaceful attempt to deliver aid and draw attention to Gaza's humanitarian crisis, with Amnesty International warning the interception raised 'grave concerns' and calling the detentions arbitrary. Activists reported injuries and alleged mistreatment during and after the raid, including prolonged detention at sea. Israel defended the operation, insisting the naval blockade is necessary and describing the flotilla as a 'provocation'. Officials said most detainees were transferred to Greece and released, while a small number, including Abukeshek and Avila, remained in custody pending investigation. Spain has called for the immediate release of their nationals and questioned the legality of intercepting civilian vessels in international waters. "

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