3 days ago
Gaza Freedom Flotilla urges UK Government to 'protect' ship
Members of the humanitarian coalition are currently en route to Gaza on the Madleen ship, which is expected to arrive within the next 24 hours.
The vessel flies a UK flag, meaning that it falls under the jurisdiction of the UK Government.
There are 12 volunteers on the ship, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, as well as other volunteers from France, Turkey, the Netherlands, Spain, Brazil and Germany.
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The ship set off from Sicily on June 1 and its live tracker shows that it has almost reached Gaza.
In a statement shared in the early hours of Saturday, the group said: "The 'Madleen', a UK-flagged civilian ship en route to Gaza, is protected under international maritime law.
"As a vessel flying the British flag, it falls under the jurisdiction and responsibility of the UK government, which has a legal duty to defend 'Madleen' and the civilians on board, and to prevent unlawful interference - including any threat or use of force - by foreign powers such as Israel."
The coalition called on the UK Government to issue a public warning to Israel that any action against the Madleen is "unacceptable and unlawful" and to act to protect the rights and safety of those onboard the vessel.
The group also urged the UK Government to "comply with its legal duties" to "prevent genocide" and to "[reject] the legitimacy of Israel's blockade and actively supporting efforts to deliver humanitarian aid and uphold international law".
It comes after crew on the Madleen issued an alert after a drone was spotted flying over the vessel on June 3 as it was more than 1000km from Greek waters.
The drone was later identified as a Helenic Coast Guard Heron surveillance drone, which the coalition said is used as part of a wider military and intelligence partnership between Greece, Cyprus and Israel.
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Israeli news outlets are reporting that Israel is preparing to block the vessel from entering Gaza. According to the Times of Israel, the Israeli navy is monitoring the boat's route and plans to intercept the vessel if it continues to Gaza.
The newspaper adds that the UK Government is monitoring the situation and that it has reportedly asked Israel to vouch for the safety of the Madleen and those on board.
The Foreign Office has been contacted for comment.
