Video protests in Brussels, after Israel blocked a ship who wanted to get to Gaza with humanitarian aids
Image from one of the pro-Palestine demonstrations that took place in 2025 in Brussels. Credit: Werner Lerooy / Imago Stock & People / Profimedia
Several hundred people gathered on Monday night in front of the Stock Exchange in Brussels to protest the interception by Israel of the Madleen humanitarian ship and the violence in the Gaza strip, reports the Belgian publication Le Sir, who writes that in the area there were demonstrations every week, but that the event was more common.
Images from Brussels obtained by Hotnews show law enforcement forces on the streets of the central area, near the headquarters of the European Commission and near the European Parliament, which are ready to intervene in case of incidents. The area is overcome by helicopters.
The protesters in front of the Stock Exchange in Brussels expressed their anger for the actions of the Israeli Navy. They demanded stop the invasion and Israeli occupation of the Gaza strip. They claim that the Israeli army commit genocide on the Palestinian territory, asking Europe and the international community to take action.
The interception of the Madleen vessel, which was trying to reach the Gaza strip with humanitarian aid and 12 pro-palestinians on board, including Greta Thunberg, and the French MEP Rima Hassan took those who support the Palestinian cause.
Brussels, Thoouseands is Walking to the European Parliament pic.twitter.com/zwqt3ued2w
– Sovereign (@anotherhuman_8) June 9, 2025
The ship, part of the Gaza Floting Flotilla, left Sicily on June 1, with the purpose of breaking the blockade imposed by Israel on the Palestinian enclave.
On Sunday night, the Israeli army took over the ship in custody, in international waters, and in the meantime it was taken to the Israeli port. The 12 activists will return to their origin countries, according to the Israeli authorities.
Greta Thunberg states in a pre-registered video message that she has been abducted in international waters, on the way to the Gaza / reaction of Israel
Israel states that the passengers of the “Madleen” ship will be sent back to their countries
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel has published a video recording in which members of the “Madleen” crew appears, wearing orange rescue vests, while a soldier offers them water and sandwiches. Thunberg can be seen standing close to the front of the group.
This video recording was published after the one published by the Flotila Freedom Coalition, with the message of Greta Thunberg.
“(The vessel) is safely headed to the shores of Israel. The passengers are expected to return to their origin countries,” said the Israeli Foreign Ministry in a message distributed on the social network “X” Monday morning.
