From carrying Greta Thunberg, rescuing migrants, to Israel's interception
Freedom Flotilla Coalition's Madleen was forcibly intercepted by the Israeli military on Monday as it approached the Gaza Strip. The 12 activists on board the ship, including Greta Thunberg, have been detained by Israel for "interrogation" and will be taken to the Ashdod port.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition accused Israel of violating international law. The official statement from the coalition added that all life-saving equipment and aid were seized by Israeli commandos.
'This seizure blatantly violates international law and defies the ICJ's binding orders requiring unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza. These volunteers are not subject to Israeli jurisdiction and cannot be criminalized for delivering aid or challenging an illegal blockade—their detention is arbitrary, unlawful, and must end immediately,' stated Huwaida Arraf, human rights attorney and Freedom Flotilla organiser.
The ship, named after Gaza's first fisherwoman, sailed from Italy's Sicily on June 1. After a week-long journey, the flotilla carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters on Monday. Here's a look at the aid boat's journey so far.
Congratulating Israel's swift takeover of the ship, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has stated that the 12 members of the Mavi Marmara will be shown videos of the October 7 Hamas attack.
As per Katz, the 12 members, especially Greta Thunberg, will 'see exactly who the Hamas terrorist organisation they came to support and for whom they work is, what atrocities they committed against women, the elderly, and children, and against whom Israel is fighting to defend itself.'
As per reports, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has instructed prison authorities to prepare "separate cells" for the Madleen crew at Givon Prison in Ramla, reported Israel Hayom.
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