A boat carrying 12 individuals, including renowned activist Greta Thunberg, was towed to the Israeli port city of Ashdod after being intercepted by Israeli forces while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The Israeli foreign ministry confirmed the boat’s arrival, stating the passengers are currently undergoing medical checks to ensure their well-being.
The yacht, named the Madleen, was on a mission to transport a “symbolic” quantity of aid, including rice and baby formula, in defiance of Israel’s maritime blockade. Formed by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), the group contended that the boat was seized in international waters in the early hours on Monday.
Israel’s government dismissed the mission, branding it a “selfie yacht” and stating that the passengers would be deported. Among those onboard were citizens from various countries, including France’s MEP Rima Hassan and Al Jazeera journalist Omar Faiad. French President Emmanuel Macron advocated for the release of the French activists, and Sweden’s foreign ministry reached out to Israeli officials.
The interception stirred international criticism, with Turkey condemning it as a “heinous attack”. The FFC claims that they lost contact with the passengers post-interception. In response to this event, Israeli officials reiterated their stance on the Gaza blockade, emphasizing its necessity for security against Hamas. The humanitarian conditions in Gaza have drawn international concern, with UN officials highlighting the dire situation facing the Palestinian population.
Source: www.bbc.com
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