Global condemnation over Israeli interception of Gaza aid vessel

GAZA, Palestine (MNTV) — The Israeli navy’s interception of the Madleen, a humanitarian aid vessel en route to Gaza, has sparked international outrage, with leaders, activists, and rights groups decrying the action as a violation of international law.

The Madleen, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was carrying 12 humanitarian activists, including Greta Thunberg, when it was seized in international waters and redirected to the Israeli port of Ashdod.

Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry denounced the act as a “clear violation of international law,” likening it to “state terrorism.”

The ministry demanded an immediate investigation and called for accountability.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry echoed similar sentiments, labeling the interception as maritime piracy and accusing Israel of violating international norms.

Hamas condemned the seizure as “organized state terrorism” and urged the United Nations to act decisively to lift Gaza’s blockade.

UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese called for the immediate release of the vessel and emphasized that ending the Gaza blockade is both a legal and moral imperative.

Agnes Callamard, secretary-general of Amnesty International, criticized Israel’s seizure of the Madleen, describing it as a breach of international law.

“As the occupying power (as recognised by the ICJ), Israel has a legal obligation to ensure civilians in Gaza have sufficient food and medicine. They should have let Madleen deliver its humanitarian supplies to Gaza,” she stated on X.

She also called on other countries to take stronger action, asserting, “There is an on-going genocide. Military occupation. Apartheid. Palestinians in Gaza are starved. Humanitarian workers are targeted. Humanitarian aid is blocked.”

European voices of dissent

Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris praised the flotilla’s efforts to deliver aid to Gaza, while former British MP Jeremy Corbyn extended his solidarity.

The Spanish government summoned Israel’s charge d’Affaires in protest, citing the interception as an overreach of authority in international waters.

In April, Spain had already demonstrated disapproval of Israel’s actions in Gaza by halting a $7.5 million ammunition deal.

France expressed urgency in securing the return of six French nationals aboard the Madleen.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated that consular protection had been sought immediately and called for their rapid repatriation.

The Left in the European Parliament, representing 46 members, issued a sharp rebuke, describing the interception as a “blatant violation of maritime and humanitarian law.”

The group demanded the unconditional release of all crew members and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Protests erupted in Australia, with rallies in major cities calling for sanctions on Israel and a halt to arms trade.

The Jewish Council of Australia also expressed concerns for the activists’ safety and urged the Australian government to intervene.

Freedom Flotilla Coalition activists on board shared harrowing accounts of their journey.

Brazilian activist Iara Lee reported Israeli drones dropping a white chemical substance on the ship, while Yasemin Acar described constant drone surveillance.

Global figures and organizations continue to pressure Israel to comply with international humanitarian obligations and ensure the safety of the activists.

As tensions rise, calls for action grow louder, with activists and officials asserting that collective diplomatic efforts are crucial to breaking the blockade and delivering aid to Gaza’s besieged population.