French media reported on Monday that clashes broke out between police officers and protesters demanding the release of activists on the Gaza blockade-busting ship.
French activists reported that during a demonstration in Paris' Place de la République to demand the release of Rima Hassan and the Madeleine activists, a protester collapsed and lost consciousness after being assaulted by an officer who shouted, "Why don't you go to Palestine if you have such courage?"
Videos posted by activists and bloggers documented French police attacks on protesters.
On Monday, a massive march took place in the Place de la République in the French capital, Paris, in support of the "Madeleine" ship breaking the blockade on the Gaza Strip.
A march also took place in the southern French city of Marseille in support of the blockade-breaking ship.
On Monday, June 9, the France Insoumise movement called for several marches in France in support of the Gaza-bound ship intercepted by Israel, carrying 12 activists, including France Insoumise member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan and activist Greta Thunberg.
Israeli forces stopped the sailing ship "Madeleine" at night, days after it had sailed before reaching the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated that the ship was stopped due to the naval blockade imposed on Gaza since 2007, which prevents the entry of unauthorized ships.
In response, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition said after the ship was intercepted: "We demand the immediate release of the twelve detainees on board the Madeleine and all other Palestinian prisoners, an end to the brutal occupation and blockade, and the immediate opening of all border crossings to allow humanitarian aid to reach Gaza."
All passengers on the ship, including climate activist Greta Thunberg and other activists, are scheduled to be transferred to a detention center pending deportation from Israel, according to Israeli officials.
The Madeleine set sail from Sicily, southern Italy, last Sunday, carrying 12 international activists to break the Israeli blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid.
