Media groups condemn arrest of 2 journalists aboard Madleen ship
LONDON: Media groups have condemned the arrest of two French journalists who were on board the Gaza-bound Madleen ship, which was intercepted by the Israeli military on Monday.
The journalists were identified as Yanis Mhamdi, from the independent media outlet Blast, and Omar Faiad, a reporter for Al Jazeera.
In a statement, the Committee to Protect Journalists called for the immediate release of journalists who were part of the pro-Palestinian convoy of activists delivering aid to Gaza as a symbolic protest against the ongoing war and to raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis.
It urged EU leaders to pressure Israel to 'stop all assaults on press freedom and protect journalists.'
Condemning the arrest, Reporters Without Borders said: 'Boarding a civilian vessel in international waters to intercept a crew that included two French journalists documenting a peaceful humanitarian initiative is not only illegal, but constitutes a serious violation of international law and press freedom.'
Meanwhile, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said the activists and journalists aboard the ship were deported on Tuesday morning from Ben Gurion Airport to their home countries.
'Those who refuse to sign deportation documents and leave Israel will be brought before a judicial authority, in accordance with Israeli law, to authorize their deportation. Consuls from the passengers' home countries met them at the airport,' the Foreign Ministry posted on X.
The ministry also posted pictures of the renowned climate activist Greta Thunberg on a flight to Sweden following her deportation.
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