Latest news with #ICBSG
Roya News
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Roya News
Madleen continues voyage towards Gaza despite 'Israeli' threats, says ICBSG chief
Defying threats from 'Israeli' authorities, the humanitarian aid flotilla Madleen is continuing its journey toward the Gaza Strip, carrying a symbolic one-ton shipment of aid in an effort to break the ongoing blockade on the besieged Strip. Zaher Birawi, head of the International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza (ICBSG), told Roya that the freedom activists aboard the Madleen, hailing from seven different countries, remain in high spirits and are determined to deliver a message of solidarity and protest against 'Israel's' continued aggression on Gaza. Birawi said that the Madleen is not carrying any weapons, only humanitarian support and a message of hope. He described the 'Israeli' threats against the vessel as a blatant violation of international law, especially since six of the activists on board are French citizens. He added that the committee has issued warnings against any attack or interference with the ship or its passengers, and has successfully launched a global petition in solidarity with the mission, which collected over 1.15 million signatures in just two days. 'This ship is not just transporting aid, it is a cry for justice and a call to the world to act against the Israeli aggression and the unjust blockade imposed on over two million people in Gaza,' Birawi told Roya. He noted that 'Israel' is increasingly sensitive to its global image, which has been further tarnished by its ongoing military actions. Any move against the Madleen, he warned, could negatively impact Tel Aviv's relations with several countries. Birawi suggested that 'Israel' might opt to intercept the ship and redirect it to the port of Ashdod, followed by the deportation of the activists to their respective countries; rather than engaging in direct military escalation. Birawi suggested that 'Israel' might opt to intercept the ship and redirect it to the port of Ashdod, followed by the deportation of the activists to their respective countries; rather than engaging in direct military escalation.
Al Bawaba
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Al Bawaba
Madeleine ship bound for Gaza faces serious Israeli threat just miles from shore
Published June 8th, 2025 - 03:15 GMT ALBAWABA - As it gets closer to the Gaza shore, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition's aid vessel, the Madeleine, is apparently encountering significant Israeli signal jamming. The International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza said the ship, which is transporting 12 international activists and humanitarian aid, is only a few kilometers away from its final destination. Also Read On its way to Gaza, the freedom flotilla faces unseen challenges Israeli drones have been flying above for hours, raising concerns among people on board, the committee said on social media. The crew continues to sail in spite of the danger, sending a strong message of support for Gaza: "You are not alone." Israeli soldiers are allegedly interfering with the ship's navigation and communication systems, which the organization describes as "dangerous." In order to follow the ship's path, they have provided a tracking URL and asked people to disseminate it all across the world. Al Jazeera was informed by French physician Baptiste André, who is on board the ship, that correspondence is continuing with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other international organizations. According to André, the ship is promoting an end to the Israeli siege of Gaza while also transporting a symbolic one-ton consignment of medical help. Greta Thunberg, an environmental activist who is also on board, said that the crew's goal is to arrive in Gaza in the next day or two. She warned that international inaction in the face of Gaza's suffering would be "the worst-case scenario," underscoring the need of lifting the embargo and creating humanitarian corridors. Israel's Defense Minister has once again threatened unlawful force against civilians, attempting to justify violence with baseless smears. We will not be intimidated. The 'Madleen' is a peaceful civilian vessel, unarmed and sailing in international waters with humanitarian aid… — Freedom Flotilla Coalition (@GazaFFlotilla) June 8, 2025 Israeli authorities have responded by promising to halt the ship before it reaches what they refer to as "Israeli territorial waters." Israel Hayom claims that in anticipation of a possible interception, the Israeli Navy has practiced off the Ashdod coast. Yoav Gallant, the defense minister, said that he gave military personnel orders to keep Madeleine out of Gaza, saying the embargo is required to prevent weapons from getting to Hamas. He accused the activists of having anti-Israel sentiments and rejected the ship's purpose. An internet video that depicts a bunch of Israeli kids on a boat threatening Greta Thunberg and the crew has also provoked concern. The kids made fun of her humanitarian endeavors and charged her with aiding "terrorism." The Madeleine, the 36th ship in the Freedom Flotilla, an international effort started in 2010 to protest Israel's naval siege of Gaza, sailed from the port of Catania, Italy, in early June. The vessel bears the name of Madeleine Kulab, the first female professional fisherwoman in Gaza, who perished in the Israeli attack on the enclave in October 2023 along with her father. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
