Greta Thunberg's Gaza Aid Ship Stymied by Israel - The Fate of the Supplies Unclear
- ~2 min read
Greta Thunberg, along with the 'Midnight' group, departs from Israel - Greta Thunberg, along with the team of Madleen, depart from Israel
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and her fellow passengers have been expelled from Israel following the interception of their sailing ship, the "Madleen," as per Israeli statements announced on Tuesday. After arrival at Ben-Gurion Airport, the activists are now making their way back to their respective home countries, with those who resisted expulsion documents facing potential legal action.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, responsible for the voyage of the "Madleen," confirmed that all twelve activists were handed over to Israeli authorities. There's a possibility they could leave Israel from Tel Aviv tonight, as indicated by online statements.
Uncertain Future for Aid Supplies
Israel's Foreign Ministry previously stated that the "Madleen," now anchored in Israel after being stopped by the Israeli navy, carried a minimal amount of aid supplies, which would be delivered to the Gaza Strip via established aid channels. In a video released by the Foreign Ministry, the activists can be seen wearing orange life vests in a bid to shed light on the dire situation of the civilian population in Gaza, subjected to a blockade that breaches international law for months.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, manned by Thunberg and others, departed from Sicily for Gaza over a week ago, aiming to deliver aid through the Israeli naval blockade. Thunberg has regularly participated in pro-Palestinian protests. The Israeli army boarded the ship in international waters and forcibly brought them to Israel, an act the coalition refers to as kidnapping.
Amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Israel maintains a stringent sea blockade on the Palestinian territory, despite it being a clear violation of international law. This measure was implemented in 2007, following the Hamas takeover of power, and is supported by Egypt, the neighboring country in the south. The justification provided is to prevent weapons smuggling, yet the Madleen was carrying humanitarian aid instead. The Israeli military's actions may have breached the Geneva Conventions, potentially constituting a war crime.
- Greta Thunberg
- Israel
- Sailing Ship
- Gaza Strip
[1] Reports regarding the exact fate of the aid supplies from Greta Thunberg and her companions’ mission remain unclear, as no official statements have been released to shed light on their current status following the seizure and arrival in Israeli territory. Israel’s general policy is to inspect shipments and deny unauthorized ones without approval, but the specific disposition of the supplies from this particular mission remains a subject of uncertainty. [2] Organizations and rights groups have criticized Israel’s actions as a violation of international law, but no further updates have been provided regarding the humanitarian cargo from this sailing mission. ]
- Despite the uncertainty surrounding the exact fate of the aid supplies carried by Greta Thunberg and her companions on the Madleen sailing ship, Israel's general policy on unauthorized shipments suggests that they may be inspected and denied if not approved.
- Amidst criticisms from organizations and rights groups regarding Israel's handling of the situation as a violation of international law, no official statements have been released to clarify the current status of the humanitarian cargo from Greta Thunberg's mission following its seizure and arrival in Israeli territory.
