The Freedom Flotilla Coalition reported on Monday morning that the Israeli military intercepted and boarded its Gaza-bound vessel, the Madleen, resulting in a complete loss of contact with the ship. According to Israeli Army Radio, naval commandos took control of the vessel.
The coalition accused Israeli forces of abducting all volunteers aboard. Israeli military sources confirmed the ship is being escorted to the port of Ashdod, where the activists will be interrogated at a naval base. The identities of those on board are reportedly being verified in preparation for further action.
The Israeli military has released footage showing the arrest of all foreign activists aboard the ship.
Interception and Unknown Substances
Earlier, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition announced that sirens had sounded on the Madleen as Israeli gunboats encircled the vessel and a drone flew overhead. The coalition reported that the drone released an unidentified white substance onto the ship.
European Parliament member Rima Hassan shared photos of the ship’s sirens and posted, “They are here,” in reference to the Israeli forces’ approach.
UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Francesca Albanese, stated on X that Israeli speedboats had reached the Madleen.
She said the ship’s crew informed the Israeli forces that they were carrying humanitarian aid and intended to sail peacefully. Albanese stressed that the ship posed no security threat and that Israel had no legal authority to stop it in international waters.
Activist's Brother Calls on Germany to Secure Her Release
INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE TO BREAK THE SIEGE: J. Acar, brother of Yasemin Acar—abducted by Israeli forces from the Madleen—calls on the German government to secure her release.
He condemns all governments for failing to break the siege on Gaza, forcing ordinary people like Yasemin to take action and face the risks themselves.
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