Across continents from Europe to Australia and South America, crowds gathered on Thursday to protest against the Israeli navy’s blockade of 41 ships carrying at least 400 people, including prominent figures like climate activist Greta Thunberg and politicians, who were attempting to reach Gaza, where the UN has reported famine conditions after nearly two years of Israel’s genocidal war.

A reports by Aljazeera, says In Barcelona, about 15,000 demonstrators marched, chanting “Gaza, you are not alone,” “Boycott Israel,” and “Freedom for Palestine”. Spanish television showed riot police forcibly repelling protesters who attempted to breach barriers. Former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau was among those intercepted at sea and now faces deportation along with fellow activists, including Nelson Mandela’s grandson, “Mandla” Mandela.

Several hundred protesters also gathered outside Ireland’s parliament in Dublin, where Palestinian solidarity is often linked to Ireland’s historical struggle against British colonialism. Miriam McNally, whose daughter joined the flotilla, told AFP: “I am worried sick for my daughter, but I am so proud of her and of what she’s doing. She is standing up for humanity in the face of grave danger.”

Paris saw approximately 1,000 protesters at Place de la Republique, while in Marseille, about 100 demonstrators were arrested after attempting to block access to Eurolinks, a weapons manufacturer accused of selling military components to Israel.