Brazil petitions Israel for the release of boat crew involving Greta and Brazilian individuals
Updated Article:
The Brazilian government is on high alert after Israel nabbed a crew of humanitarian aid workers, including Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila and renowned Swedish environmentalist Greta Thunberg. This drama unfolded when Israel intercepted the ship Madleen, carrying much-needed supplies for Gaza.
It all started early this morning when the Israeli government spotted the boat. The Madleen, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, boasted a 12-strong team of activists, with Thunberg and Ávila at the helm.
Israeli authorities stated that the passengers would be sent back to their home countries. In a fiery response, the Israeli Foreign Affairs Ministry branded the aid vessel a "celebrity yacht." The Israelis promise that any surplus aid not gorged by the "celebrities" will be funneled to Gaza via legitimate channels.
The sailboat departed from Italy on June 1st, making a pitstop in Egypt before heading to the coast of Gaza. Communications with the ship were lost early this morning, with the crew allegedly seized by Israeli forces.
Meanwhile, the Dom Paulo Evaristo Arns Human Rights Defense Commission has registered its disapproval of Israel's violent actions in Gaza. The institution accuses Israel of relentless aggression against innocent civilians, including children, women, and infants.
The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty) has requested Israel to honor the principle of freedom of navigation in international waters and to immediately abolish its restrictions on humanitarian aid to Palestinian territories—as mandated by international law. If necessary, Brazil is prepared to furnish consular assistance, in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
Amid mounting pressure from public and political quarters, Israel has been called upon to change its course and respond to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As the situation evolutionizes, the international community remains vigilant, hoping for a peaceful resolution and the swift release of the humanitarian aid crew.
- GRETA
- THIAGO ÁVILA
- ITAMARATY
[1] Folhapress[2] The Intercept[3] United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs[4] BBC[5] Reuters
- Greta Thunberg, Thiago Ávila, and the other aid workers' political activism amid war-and-conflicts and general-news has caused an uproar, as their ship, the Madleen, was intercepted by Israeli forces carrying humanitarian supplies for Gaza.
- In a turn of events, the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty) has strongly condemned Israel's actions, urging them to respect freedom of navigation, end restrictions on humanitarian aid to Palestinian territories, and release the detained aid crew, including Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila and Swedish environmentalist Greta Thunberg.
