Israel Draws Outrage For Seizing Gaza-Bound Aid Boat And Detaining Activists

Israeli forces are accused of illegally seizing the Madleen in international waters and abducting its dozen civilian passengers, including activist Greta Thunberg.

Israel is drawing fire from rights groups, activists and some politicians for seizing the Gaza-bound “Freedom Flotilla” that carried humanitarian assistance, and forcibly detaining the boat’s dozen civilians in international waters ― calling the move illegal and representative of the Israeli government’s commitment to destroying the Palestinian territory.

The Israeli military seized the “Madleen” in the middle of the night, about 120 miles from Gaza in international waters, and forcibly detained all 12 civilians from seven countries ― including climate activist Greta Thunberg and European Parliament member Rima Hassan. Footage from the boat carrying humanitarian aid showed those onboard in lifejackets with their hands up, and some of the activists recorded themselves giving updates on the matter until connection was severed.

“Israel has absolutely no authority to intercept and stop a boat like this, which carried humanitarian aid and, most than everything else, humanity to the people of Gaza,” said U.N. special rapporteur Francesca Albanese, who was on the phone with the Madleen’s captain during the boat’s seizure. “You know, there should be state navies breaking the siege instead of a boat of volunteers risking their life. But this is what we are left with – the humanity of these volunteers.”

In the event of harm, each activist pre-recorded a video saying they’ve been “kidnapped” by Israel, and that they urge the public to pressure their home country’s government to get them released and demand an end to the aid blockade. The Madleen was flying the flag of the United Kingdom, while the activists hail from France, Sweden, Turkey, Spain, Brazil, Germany and the Netherlands.

“Recalling the principle of freedom of navigation in international waters, Brazil urges the Israeli government to release the detained crew members. It further stresses the need for Israel to immediately remove all restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid into Palestinian territory, in accordance with its obligations as an occupying power,” the Brazilian government said in a statement, adding that embassies in the region are ready to provide any necessary consular assistance.