Amnesty International slams Israel over aid boat seizure

Amnesty International has condemned Israel’s seizure of the Gaza-bound aid ship known as the “Madleen”, calling the move illegal, Middle East Eye reported on June 9th.

“By forcibly intercepting and blocking the Madleen, Israel has once again ignored its legal obligations towards civilians in the occupied Gaza Strip,” Amnesty declared in a statement.

The “Madleen” had been dispatched from Sicily on June 1st, according to Al Jazeera. It was carrying 11 people, including Greta Thunberg and European Parliament Member (MEP) Rima Hassan. The British-flagged vessel aimed to break the blockade on Gaza and deliver essential supplies, including food, baby formula, and medical aid, The Guardian reported on June 9th.

Amnesty described the ship’s crew as “unarmed activists and human rights defenders on a humanitarian mission” and demanded their immediate and unconditional release.

The organisation accused Israel of deliberately obstructing vital humanitarian aid, stating that instead of fulfilling its duties as an occupying power, Israel “consistently and deliberately impeded the provision of impartial humanitarian assistance for civilians in desperate need.”

Likewise, French lawmakers called for the immediate release of the activists which were detained by Israel, Middle East Monitor reported on June 9th. Additionally, Turkey also said Israel’s actions were a “heinous attack” and “clear violation of international water,” according to  Middle East Eye on June 9th.

Amnesty also highlighted the broader significance of the mission. While the Madleen served as “a powerful symbol of solidarity” with Palestinians, Amnesty said the mission “is an indictment of the international community’s failure to put an end to Israel’s inhumane blockade.”

Middle East Eye, Amnesty International, Al Jazeera, The Guardian, Middle East Monitor, Maghrebi.org