Spain Offers Repatriation for Citizens Detained in Israel
The Spanish government has signaled its intent to repatriate citizens associated with the Global Sumud flotilla detained in Israel, with a proposal to organize their transport back to Spain or send a plane for their return, reports 24brussels.
Spanish Consul in Tel Aviv, Fernando López de Castro, has been actively engaging with the flotilla’s legal representatives and visited the detainees at the Saharonim prison on Friday. He is expected to return on Sunday and maintain daily visits until all detainees are released, according to sources from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Approximately 450 members of the flotilla are being held at Saharonim prison, located in the Negev Desert, as confirmed by a prison official. The detentions are part of heightened tensions surrounding the current conflict in the region.
In parallel, Madrid witnessed a significant demonstration on Saturday, with thousands of protesters voicing their opposition to the ongoing violence in Gaza. Estimates from organizers place the turnout at 400,000 participants, while government officials reported 92,000 attendees. Protesters carried banners with slogans such as “Gaza hurts,” “Stop genocide,” and “Free Palestine,” highlighting widespread public concern over the humanitarian situation in the region.
Similar protests took place across various cities in Spain, including Barcelona, Pamplona, and Valencia, as citizens mobilized to express solidarity with the Palestinian people and demand an end to the violence.
The situation remains fluid as both the Spanish government and the broader public response to the conflict evolve, reflecting a growing awareness and concern for humanitarian issues in the region.