Israel plans to stop Gaza-bound ship with Thunberg on board – DW – 06/08/2025
Skip next section Israel says it will block Gaza-bound boat with Greta Thunberg on board
06/08/2025
June 8, 2025 Israel says it will block Gaza-bound boat with Greta Thunberg on board
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the military would stop the boat carrying climate advocateGreta Thunberg and several other activists to Gaza.
The British-flagged Madleen aims to deliver humanitarian aid to the war-torn territory, which has been blockaded by Israel.
"I instructed the IDF to act so that the Madleen ... does not reach Gaza," Katz said in a statement. "To the antisemitic Greta and her Hamas-propaganda-spouting friends, I say clearly: You'd better turn back, because you will not reach Gaza."
Operated by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), the ship left Sicily on June 6 and is currently just off the Egyptian coast.
Thunberg said she joined the mission to "challenge Israel's illegal siege and escalating war crimes" in Gaza and highlight the desperation for humanitarian aid.
FFC press officer Hay Sha Wiya said on Sunday the boat was currently some 160 nautical miles (296 kilometers) from Gaza and was "preparing for the possibility of interception."
In addition to Thunberg, there are 11 other crew members aboard. Among them Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament.
Israeli media have reported that the military plans to intercept the yacht before it reaches Gaza and escort it to the Israeli port of Ashdod, before deporting the crew.
"The State of Israel will not allow anyone to break the naval blockade on Gaza, whose primary purpose is to prevent the transfer of weapons to Hamas," Katz said.
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DW
6 hours ago
- DW
Israel plans to stop Gaza-bound ship with Thunberg on board – DW – 06/08/2025
Skip next section Israel says it will block Gaza-bound boat with Greta Thunberg on board 06/08/2025 June 8, 2025 Israel says it will block Gaza-bound boat with Greta Thunberg on board Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the military would stop the boat carrying climate advocateGreta Thunberg and several other activists to Gaza. The British-flagged Madleen aims to deliver humanitarian aid to the war-torn territory, which has been blockaded by Israel. "I instructed the IDF to act so that the Madleen ... does not reach Gaza," Katz said in a statement. "To the antisemitic Greta and her Hamas-propaganda-spouting friends, I say clearly: You'd better turn back, because you will not reach Gaza." Operated by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), the ship left Sicily on June 6 and is currently just off the Egyptian coast. Thunberg said she joined the mission to "challenge Israel's illegal siege and escalating war crimes" in Gaza and highlight the desperation for humanitarian aid. FFC press officer Hay Sha Wiya said on Sunday the boat was currently some 160 nautical miles (296 kilometers) from Gaza and was "preparing for the possibility of interception." In addition to Thunberg, there are 11 other crew members aboard. Among them Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament. Israeli media have reported that the military plans to intercept the yacht before it reaches Gaza and escort it to the Israeli port of Ashdod, before deporting the crew. "The State of Israel will not allow anyone to break the naval blockade on Gaza, whose primary purpose is to prevent the transfer of weapons to Hamas," Katz said.
DW
2 days ago
- DW
EU asked to intervene as US sanctions deal fresh blow to ICC – DW – 06/06/2025
Fresh US sanctions will curb the ICC's capacity to work. With a Slovenian judge on the blacklist, calls for the EU to activate laws to block the sanctions are mounting. It was a consequential case of deja-vu in The Hague on Thursday, as the US issued fresh sanctions against judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) over what it calls "illegitimate actions targeting the United States and Israel." The move is the latest in a series of diplomatic assaults on the ICC ostensibly aimed at curtailing the court's credibility and ability to function. The ICC has criticized the measure as "a clear attempt to undermine the indepedence of an international judicial institution." While the European Union (EU) has long defended the court as the "cornerstone of international justice," its member states' mixed response to ICC rulings in recent months has exposed cracks in the world's main mechanism for international criminal justice, and its capacity to act. Now calls for the bloc to use legal powers to counter US sanctions are mounting. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the sanctions on Thursday Image: Mehmet Eser/Zuma/Imago Why is the US targeting the ICC? The new measures target four ICC judges. Two were involved in proceeding that led to an ICC arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, among others, over alleged crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel denies the allegations. The other two blacklisted judges were part of proceedings that authorized probes into alleged war crimes committed by US armed forces in Afghanistan. During Republican President Donald Trump's first term, the US had already targeted Khan's predecessor over an ICC probe into suspected war crimes in Afghanistan. The subsequent administration under President Joe Biden lifted the sanctions, and the ICC then "deprioritized" alleged US violations in its Afghanistan investigation in 2021. Thursday's new sanctions come on top of measures announced against the court's top prosecutor, Karim Khan, in February. They also come amid turbulent times for the court, with Khan having stepped back last month until a probe into sexual misconduct claims is complete. US citizens and firms are banned from doing business with the sanctioned judges Image: Peter Dejong/AP/picture alliance The ICC was set up in 2002 as a court of last resort to prosecute leaders and other key figures for atrocities when justice cannot, or will not, be served in their own countries. More than 120 nations, including all EU member states, voluntarily signed up to the international treaty which established the court. But China, Russia, the US and Israel are notable non-members — and Washington claims this as the basis for its sanctions. "The ICC is politicized and falsely claims unfettered discretion to investigate, charge, and prosecute nationals of the United States and our allies. This dangerous assertion and abuse of power infringes upon the sovereignty and national security of the United States and our allies," US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement on Thursday. How will sanctions impact the court? In response, the ICC said that its work "provides justice and hope to millions of victims of unimaginable atrocities." "Targeting those working for accountability does nothing to help civilians trapped in conflict. It only emboldens those who believe they can act with impunity," the court added. Under the sanctions, US businesses and citizens are banned from providing funds, goods or services to the blacklisted judges. Any assets they hold in the US are also frozen. But the implications don't stop there. The Associated Press wrote last month that the ICC's chief prosecutor had lost access to his emails and seen his bank accounts frozen. According to the report, these businesses had discontinued their services out of fear of being targeted by US authorities for supporting blacklisted indivduals. Some non-governmental organizations also reportedly stopped working with the court. Slovania has called on the EU to activate its so-called blocking statute after the US sanctioned a Slovenian judge Image: Yves Herman/REUTERS/REUTERS EU urged to activate laws to block sanctions The European Union said on Friday that it "deeply regrets" the US move and vowed to continue backing the ICC. But some hope the EU will take tougher action. Back in the 1990s, the EU laid out laws known as its "blocking statute" aimed at cushioning the extraterritorial blow of US measures. The legislation bans EU firms from complying with US sanctions the bloc deems illegal, and was designed to prevent US restrictions on Cuba from wiping out European trade with the country. The laws were later updated to include US sanctions on Iran. Now, Slovenia and Belgium are leading a call for the bloc's executive to activate the same laws against the newest US sanctions against the ICC. Slovenian judge Beti Hohler is among those on Washington's blacklist. Asked on Friday whether the European Commission would grant Slovenia's ask, spokesperson Olof Gill told reporters: "All we can do right now is closely monitor the implications before we decide any next steps." While it's up to the European Commission to determine if, how, and when it extends the blocking statute, Brussels will likely be weighing the potential political ramifications — and whether there is enough unity among EU capitals to back the move. An existential crisis at the ICC? It's a recurring theme, as EU member states are not on the same page about the ICC. While the central executive in Brussels regularly styles the bloc as the court's biggest backer, EU countries' actions tell a more complex story — one that adds to a growing sense that the court's future is full of uncertainty. Unlike national judiciaries, the ICC has no police service. Instead, it relies on members to hand over suspects who arrive on their territory. "The ICC is famously described as a giant without arms and legs — it cannot really enforce those arrest warrants. It's up to the political will of states," international criminal law lecturer Mathjiy Holvoet told DW earlier this year. In early 2025, Italy failed to arrest a Libyan police chief wanted by the ICC for alleged war crimes. Libya is seen as a crucial partner in Italy's bid to cut down irregular migration. Earlier this month, Hungary withdrew from the court after rolling out the red carpet for Netanyahu in apparent defiance of the ICC's arrest warrant. Hungary to withdraw from International Criminal Court To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Though other EU governments have issued statements of support for the ICC, several among them have also indicated Netanyahu would not be arrested should he visit their country. France has suggested the Israeli prime minister has immunity because Israel is not an ICC member, and Germany's chancellor said in February he would "find ways" to allow Netanyahu travel to Berlin. Edited by: Maren Sass
DW
2 days ago
- DW
New UK support boosts Morocco's claim on Western Sahara – DW – 06/06/2025
The UK has joined other European countries in endorsing Morocco's position in the Western Sahara conflict. Algeria and the independence-seeking Polisario are losing out. The UK has repositioned its stance in the Western Sahara conflict. According to British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, the Moroccan autonomy plan represents the "most credible" position. The proposal, which dates back to 2007, is the "most viable and pragmatic basis for a lasting resolution of the dispute," Lammy said in Morocco's capital Rabat earlier this week. These words mark a turnaround from London's previous support for the UN's decades-long call for a referendum to determine the future of what it classifies as a 'non-self-governing territory'. The new position is in line with that of a number of other, predominantly Western countries. Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita welcomed the change of course. According to media reports, the new British position "contributes significantly" to promoting the UN's path to a "final and mutually acceptable solution". In its plan, Morocco outlines an allegedly far-reaching autonomy for the Western Sahara albeit under Moroccan sovereignty. For Morocco's King Mohammed VI, the British support is good news. It comes as more and more European states support Rabat's claim on Western Sahara. Image: Alexander Shcherbak/TASS/dpa/picture alliance The change of position is likely to anger Morocco's regional rival Algeria, which backs the Polisario Front, a movement seeking an independent West Saharan state. In a statement on Sunday, Algeria said Morocco's proposal was "empty of content and incapable of contributing to a serious and credible settlement of the conflict." UK is 'showing flexibility' "The British position nevertheless leaves a door open," Isabelle Werenfels, Maghreb observer at the Berlin-based German Institute for International and Security Affairs, told DW. "When Foreign Minister Lammy describes the Moroccan proposal as the 'most credible solution,' he is not saying that it is the only solution," Werenfels said. "Unlike France, the UK is holding back in its positioning and is showing flexibility." Last summer, French President Emmanuel Macron had called the Moroccan proposal the "only basis" for resolving the conflict. In doing so, he massively angered Algeria , which is advocating for a complete independence of Western Sahara. Since then, French-Algerian relations have been strained. The move is all the more serious as France is a permanent member of the UN Security Council, political scientist Hasni Abidi from the Geneva-based think tank CERNAM told DW a few weeks ago. During his first term in office from 2017 to 2021, US President Donald Trump recognized Morocco's sovereignty over the Western Sahara. This decision ignored the UN's position on the territory, and paved the way for other countries to follow suit. The recognition also paid tribute to Morocco's willingness to establish diplomatic relations with Israel. Then in 2022, Spain, too, started backing the Moroccan autonomy plan, but it's trying to do so in a similarly balanced manner to the UK. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez describes the plan as the "most serious, realistic and credible basis." The UK on the other hand is also trying to be diplomatically considerate with regard to the UN, says expert Werenfels. "London continues to emphasize the relevance of the UN-led political process," she told DW. The UN has long been proposing a referendum in which the inhabitants of the region should vote on whether they want to be part of Morocco or independent. When Spain vacated its positions in the Western Sahara region, Morocco had already occupied the northern part Image: picture alliance/UPI Highly coveted region Up until 1976, Western Sahara was a Spanish colony. However, when Spain began to vacate its positions, Morocco had already occupied first the northern, then the southern part of Western Sahara. The Polisario movement, founded in 1973, sees itself as the representative of the Sahrawi people traditionally living in Western Sahara. The movement has been fighting for the independence of Western Sahara with the support of Algeria. In 1976, it proclaimed the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic in the interior of the territory, which is recognized by 44 countries. Shortly afterwards, armed clashes with Morocco's army began. Almost 50 years later, Morocco's de facto rule over Western Sahara has not yet been recognized under international law. Western Sahara is a coveted territory due to its mineral resources. Its phosphate deposits are estimated to be the largest in the world. Since the 2000s, Morocco has been investing in hotels, beach resorts and leisure facilities to attract tourists, particularly around the city of Dakhla in south-western Western Sahara. An airport has also been in operation there since 1993. Morocco's rising clout The British step could be considered another sign of Morocco's growing global significance. For Spain, the main issue is migration, Werenfels says. Refugees have repeatedly attempted to enter Spain and the EU irregularly via the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, located on Morocco's northern coast. For some time now, Morocco has been tightening its border controls on the two enclaves. According to Werenfels, Spain's support for Morocco's position on Western Sahara may well be due to that. The UK, on the other hand, is likely to have economic interests above all, Werenfels said. "In 2024, [the UK and Morocco] expanded their trade relations enormously," she added. According to a report by the Moroccan state press agency MAP, London is said to consider "supporting projects in the Sahara." In general, Morocco is becoming increasingly successful as gateway to Africa, Werenfels states. It is also becoming more and more attractive as a production location. Despite good relations with UN Security Council states such as Russia and China, Algeria is neither widely nor publicly supported in their Western Sahara position. Image: Guidoum Fateh/AP Photo/picture alliance Are Algeria and the Polisario left powerless? Europe's growing support of Morocco's plans, as well as the deviation from the UN position, affect Algeria's position in the conflict. Algiers' support for the Polisario is likely to become less important. Algeria's increased economic importance as a gas supplier does not appear to have significantly strengthened its position on the Western Sahara issue. Despite Algeria's close relations with member states of the UN Security Council, particularly Russia and China, not much support on the Western Sahara issue has been voiced. The Chinese presence in Morocco indicates that Beijing in particular seems to have economic interests in the region. According to Werenfels, this trend is also evident in Algiers' reaction to the latest UK turnaround. "The Algerian government reacted surprisingly cautiously to the British statements. When Spain positioned itself, [Algeria] had still recalled its ambassador in Madrid," she said, adding that "now there was only verbal disapproval." In her view, the ongoing dispute with France, on the other hand, has to do with the former colonial relations between the two countries. As it seems, Morocco's claim is also increasingly endorsed across Africa. Only a few days ago, Kenya said it started supporting Rabat's autonomy plan. Ceuta: Spain's North African exclave sees migration surge To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video This article was originally published in German.
