Freedom flotilla approaches Gaza after reaching Egypt
A humanitarian aid vessel carrying 12 activists is now sailing along Egypt's coast en route to the besieged Gaza Strip, according to organizers from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.
The ship, Madleen, departed Sicily last week loaded with essential relief supplies intended for Palestinians in Gaza. The mission's goal, as stated by the coalition, is to "break Israel's blockade on Gaza," which has been in place since before the 2023 outbreak of war.
'We are now sailing off the Egyptian coast,' German human rights activist Yasemin Acar told Agence France-Presse (AFP), confirming the passengers are in good condition.
In a Saturday statement from London, the International Committee for Breaking the Siege of Gaza confirmed that the vessel had entered Egyptian waters. The group said it is coordinating closely with international legal and human rights organizations to protect those on board, warning that any attempt to intercept the ship would be 'a blatant violation of international humanitarian law.'
European Parliament member Rima Hassan, also among the passengers, appealed to world leaders to 'guarantee safe passage for the Freedom Flotilla.'
"Israel" has previously responded with force to similar maritime efforts. In 2010, a raid by "Israeli" commandos on the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara, which was part of a previous aid flotilla, left 10 civilians dead. More recently in May, another ship from the coalition, the Conscience, reportedly came under drone fire, prompting emergency interventions by Malta and Cyprus.
Earlier in its current voyage, Madleen temporarily diverted course near Crete to respond to a distress call from a migrant boat. Activists aboard rescued four Sudanese migrants who had jumped overboard in an attempt to avoid being pushed back to Libya. The rescued individuals were later transferred to an EU Frontex ship.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which began its efforts in 2010, represents a network of civil society groups demanding an end to the humanitarian blockade of Gaza. "Israel" imposed the latest round of severe restrictions on March 2, only partially easing them since, despite mounting international condemnation.
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Roya News
4 hours ago
- Roya News
Freedom flotilla approaches Gaza after reaching Egypt
A humanitarian aid vessel carrying 12 activists is now sailing along Egypt's coast en route to the besieged Gaza Strip, according to organizers from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. The ship, Madleen, departed Sicily last week loaded with essential relief supplies intended for Palestinians in Gaza. The mission's goal, as stated by the coalition, is to "break Israel's blockade on Gaza," which has been in place since before the 2023 outbreak of war. 'We are now sailing off the Egyptian coast,' German human rights activist Yasemin Acar told Agence France-Presse (AFP), confirming the passengers are in good condition. In a Saturday statement from London, the International Committee for Breaking the Siege of Gaza confirmed that the vessel had entered Egyptian waters. The group said it is coordinating closely with international legal and human rights organizations to protect those on board, warning that any attempt to intercept the ship would be 'a blatant violation of international humanitarian law.' European Parliament member Rima Hassan, also among the passengers, appealed to world leaders to 'guarantee safe passage for the Freedom Flotilla.' "Israel" has previously responded with force to similar maritime efforts. In 2010, a raid by "Israeli" commandos on the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara, which was part of a previous aid flotilla, left 10 civilians dead. More recently in May, another ship from the coalition, the Conscience, reportedly came under drone fire, prompting emergency interventions by Malta and Cyprus. Earlier in its current voyage, Madleen temporarily diverted course near Crete to respond to a distress call from a migrant boat. Activists aboard rescued four Sudanese migrants who had jumped overboard in an attempt to avoid being pushed back to Libya. The rescued individuals were later transferred to an EU Frontex ship. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which began its efforts in 2010, represents a network of civil society groups demanding an end to the humanitarian blockade of Gaza. "Israel" imposed the latest round of severe restrictions on March 2, only partially easing them since, despite mounting international condemnation.
Roya News
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Al Bawaba
11 hours ago
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On its way to Gaza, the freedom flotilla faces unseen challenges
ALBAWABA - The humanitarian vessel Madleen, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, is now heading toward Egypt's northern coast on her route to Gaza, according to a statement released on Saturday by the International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza. The ship is expected to reach a destination around 100 nautical miles from Gaza on Monday. Also Read Israel strike targets Gaza-Bound freedom flotilla near Malta With 12 international activists accompanying her, Madleen departed the Italian island of Sicily last Sunday with the intention of delivering aid to the Gaza Strip and calling attention to the dire circumstances there. Its passengers include French member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan. She urged the world community to ensure the ship's safe passage. From the ship, Hassan warned that any action or interception would be illegal under international law. The crew stated they had been shocked by surveillance drones that approached the ship on previous evenings, despite the fact that they reported a calm voyage. Human rights activist and flotilla member Yasemin Ager told Al Jazeera that the ship is delivering a crucial message to the world about the need to aid a people who have been going without food for the last three months. She said the mission's goals are to create humanitarian pathways and hold Israel accountable for its continuous embargo, which she says violates international law. The trip follows a failed attempt in May when a previous vessel was reportedly attacked by Israeli drones near Malta. Madleen is the 36th ship to be launched as part of the worldwide movement known as the Freedom Flotilla, which was initiated in 2010 to oppose the blockade of Gaza. Israel has often threatened and used force to halt flotilla activities. Ten Turkish people were murdered and the other activists were arrested after Israeli commandos assaulted the Mavi Marmara in 2010. Despite the risks, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition is committed to its humanitarian mission. Organizers said Madleen represents global solidarity with Palestinians and a new call to lift the embargo, which has been in place for more than 20 years.
