Pro-Palestine activists shut down King William Rd in protest over the detaining of activist Greta Thunberg on-board a ship bound for Gaza

Hundreds of protesters have rallied on the steps of parliament in the CBD after a Greta Thunberg aid ship was “kidnapped” by Israeli forces

• Israel vows to deport Greta Thunberg

Pro-Palestine supporters have shut down King William Street, while protesting against the interception of a Gaza-bound aid ship carrying activist Greta Thunberg.

More than 100 people gathered on the steps of parliament on North Terrace calling on Israel to allow the Flotilla Coalition’s yacht – Madleen – a clear passage to Gaza.

More than 100 people gathered and marched to the steps of parliament in protest of the interception of an aid ship headed for Gaza. Picture: Brett Hartwig

Commandos reportedly intercepted the boat carrying 12 activists, including Thunberg, after directing it to change course as it approached “a restricted area”.

Israel officials say “all passengers expected to return to their home countries”, after Thunberg claimed in a prerecorded video the vessel had been “kidnapped”

Police security officers watched on as the demonstrators took to King William St, bringing traffic to a standstill.

Hundreds of activists gathered on the steps of parliament. Picture: Brett Hartwig

Rally organisers led chants calling for “Free Palestine” and “Free the Madleen”, while others held signs calling to “End the Occupation”.

A Student for Palestine spokeswoman said the capture of the aid ship was an “atrocity”.

“A boat full of peaceful protesters, unarmed, bringing aid to a population in Gaza … have been kidnapped,” she said.

“We’re here to demand the end of occupation, the end of the siege and the liberation from the river to the sea.”

Demonstrators called on Israel to allow Greta Thunberg and the other activists a free passage to Gaza. Picture: Brett Hartwig

Another speaker called on the Australian government to interfere

“These people are doing what our government should be doing, they are showing a common humanity with the people of Gaza,” he said.

“They are showing the world’s conscience to the people of Gaza that what’s happening there is not acceptable in any way shape or form.”

Originally published as Pro-Palestine activists shut down King William Rd in protest over the detaining of activist Greta Thunberg on-board a ship bound for Gaza