Eurotopics.net

Israel has intercepted the international Global Sumud Flotilla, which was attempting to bring aid to the Gaza Strip, long before it reached the coast, and seized its 40 ships and boats. Of the 462 people on board, more than 300 are still in Israeli custody. Israel described the flotilla's mission as a provocation and is in the process of deporting the activists one after the other.

In recent days Morocco has been shaken by major protests staged mainly by young people. Initially they were peaceful, but in the meantime there have been clashes in which three people have died and hundreds have been injured or arrested. The demonstrators are calling for investments in education and healthcare instead of in infrastructure for the 2030 World Cup.

EU leaders convened at an informal summit in Copenhagen on Wednesday to discuss, among other things, plans for a 'drone wall' proposed by the European Commission. Numerous recent airspace violations – especially in host country Denmark – have highlighted the need for protective measures against drones. Europe's press discusses the priorities and problems of joint defence.

Many government services in the US remain closed until further notice because Congress has been unable to agree on a budget for the 2026 fiscal year which began on 1 October. Proposals put forward by both the Republicans and the Democrats failed to achieve the required three-fifths majority in the Senate on Wednesday. The main bone of contention is the reversal of recent cuts to healthcare for low-income earners.