Press Release: Activists Detained by Israeli Forces on Route to Gaza
Activists aboard the Madleen vessel, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), report that they have been intercepted and detained by Israeli military forces while en route to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The FFC announced via Telegram that communication with the Madleen had been lost, later sharing images of crew members with their hands raised and wearing life jackets.
Israel’s foreign ministry responded by stating that the yacht was safely approaching Israeli shores, asserting that its occupants would be sent back to their home countries. Alarm bells sounded on the Madleen caused panic among the crew, prompting them to don life jackets in anticipation of interception. Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on occupied territories, indicated she was in contact with the flotilla’s communication team and described a tense scene, as multiple vessels and drones circled the aid boat.
On Sunday, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz reiterated the country’s commitment to upholding its naval blockade of Gaza, which he claims is vital for preventing arms imports by Hamas. He directed a pointed statement at climate activist Greta Thunberg and her fellow crew members, warning them to turn back.
Thunberg, alongside 11 other activists, embarked on the Madleen from Sicily last Sunday to shine a light on the severe humanitarian crisis ongoing in the Gaza Strip, two months into the intensified Israel-Hamas conflict. Previous attempts by the Freedom Flotilla to reach Gaza have been thwarted, most recently when a reported Israeli drone attack damaged one of their ships in international waters off Malta, which Israel has denied. The situation remains fluid, drawing international attention to the humanitarian crisis in the region.
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