Sailing ..and Something Fishy in the Mediterranean
Israel detains supporters of Greta Thunberg in Gaza-linked group
Greta Thunberg's Journey Hits a Snag!
The crew of the Gaza aid ship, which included climate activist Greta Thunberg, has found itself on Israeli soil following a naval interception by Israel's army in international waters. The Israeli military claims the stop was made due to the naval blockade imposed on Gaza since 2007[1].
According to German Ambassador Steffen Seibert, all passengers aboard the British-flagged yacht, the "Madleen," are safe and unharmed[2]. The Israeli authorities have offered consular assistance to a German citizen among the passengers. French President Emmanuel Macron has also called for the immediate return of the six French nationals on board[2].
Despite being stopped, the activists remain resolute. "We demand the immediate release of the 'Madleen' prisoners, an end to the occupation, an end to the brutal blockade, and the immediate opening of all border crossings for humanitarian aid to Gaza," the Freedom Flotilla Coalition stated[3].
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition aimed to symbolically bring aid supplies to Gaza[4]. However, Israeli authorities maintain that unauthorized ships have been barred from the zone in front of the Gaza Strip[3]. Some media outlets suggest that the Israeli government may have been concerned about potential "copycats" if the activists had succeeded in reaching Gaza[4].
In an unexpected twist, the crew has thrown their phones into the Mediterranean upon being intercepted[5]. The Israeli Foreign Ministry has since confirmed their safety and provided them water and sandwiches[5]. The cargo aboard the "Madleen," initially considered life-saving aid by the activists, was minimal and would now be channelled through approved routes into Gaza[5].
Upon arrival at the Israeli port of Ashdod, the crew was reportedly shown footage of the atrocities committed by Hamas in Israel[6]. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated his country's stance on maintaining the naval blockade of Gaza and referred to Thunberg as an "antisemite" and the group as "her friends – the Hamas supporters." [6]
The 12 passengers on board, hailing from Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and Brazil, are expected to be flown back to their respective home countries[6]. Though no details regarding their departure have been confirmed as of now.
Sources: ntv.de, mdi/dpa | Greta Thunberg, Steffen Seibert, Israel, Palestinians, Gaza Strip, Humanitarian Aid.
Did you know? The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, consisting of several human rights and civil society organizations, has undertaken several similar missions aiming to challenge the Israeli naval blockade of Gaza since 2010[7]. These missions, inspired by the Greek city of Iztos, have often resulted in clashes with Israeli forces..
Further Reading: The history of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and its missions
[1] Israel intercepts Gaza protest ship with Greta Thunberg on board in international waters
[2] Steffen Seibert confirms arrival of Greta Thunberg and crew in Israel
[3] Coalition demands release of crew members and an end to Gaza blockade
[4] Israeli authorities concerned about 'copycats' in allowing aid ship to reach Gaza
[5] Israeli authorities show videos of Hamas terrorism to Gaza flotilla activists
[6] Israel hands over disputed aid center in Gaza as it reopens
[7] The Freedom Flotilla Coalition: A History
Parliament is expected to discuss the resolution on the Commission communication on the future of the European Union in light of the political and general news surrounding the detention of the "Madleen" crew, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, by Israeli authorities in international waters. News outlets suggest that the Israeli government may have been concerned about potential "copycats" if the activists had succeeded in reaching Gaza.
