Israel's navy intercepted 40 of the 47 ships of the so-called Global Sumud Flotilla and prepared to deport hundreds of the activists onboard, who were attempting to bring aid to Palestinians in Gaza, Reuters reported on Oct. 2. Meanwhile, in Italy, unions called for a general strike on Oct. 3 in solidarity with the flotilla, after protesters took to the streets on Oct. 1 when reports began to trickle in that the flotilla was being intercepted.