AhlulBayt News Agency: Eyewitnesses reported that the protest, which began peacefully near Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Road, was swiftly disrupted by police. Videos on social media show officers dragging students into police vans, with some allegations of forceful handling.
The protest was sparked by an incident on Sunday night when Israeli naval forces intercepted the Madleen in international waters of the eastern Mediterranean. The ship, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was delivering food, medical supplies, and volunteers—including renowned activist Greta Thunberg—to the Gaza Strip. Israeli forces reportedly boarded the ship in the early morning hours, detained all onboard, and redirected the vessel to Ashdod, sparking global criticism and accusations of violating maritime law.
“This mission was non-violent and aimed at challenging the illegal blockade on Gaza,” said Freedom Flotilla spokesperson Zohar Chamberlain Regev. “Israel’s actions are tantamount to piracy and aim to suppress global solidarity efforts.”
In Delhi, SFI officials condemned the police response as excessive and undemocratic. Aishe Ghosh, the organization’s secretary, decried the arrests: “It’s outrageous that while humanitarian activists are being kidnapped at sea, Indian students are being punished for supporting them.”
SFI Delhi president Sooraj Elamon also criticized the Indian government for its lack of response to the crisis in Gaza. “Israel’s campaign of collective punishment continues, and our government remains silent. Students have a duty to resist.”
Student groups from major universities like JNU, Jamia Millia Islamia, and Ambedkar University issued statements backing the protestors and criticizing the police action.
The raid on the Madleen has renewed international scrutiny of Israel’s blockade of Gaza, in place since 2007. While Israel argues the blockade is necessary for security, critics claim it constitutes illegal collective punishment. The UN’s Human Rights Office has called for the release of the detained activists and reaffirmed that humanitarian aid access must be protected under international law.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has yet to issue a statement on either the flotilla incident or the police response in Delhi. Meanwhile, opposition leaders such as Congress MP Shashi Tharoor have spoken out, criticizing the treatment of students and the government’s silence on Gaza.
Despite the crackdown, SFI has announced plans for further protests across India. Students in Kerala, West Bengal, and Telangana are preparing marches, sit-ins, and digital campaigns to keep public attention on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“Our resistance will continue,” said Ghosh. “This is a global youth movement standing for Palestinian rights and against war crimes.”
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