Tel Aviv: Human rights group Amnesty International has strongly condemned Israel’s interception of an aid ship attempting to break the blockade on Gaza, labeling it a ‘violation of international law.’
According to Anadolu Agency, the ship named Madleen, launched by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), was on a humanitarian mission to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip. The vessel, flying a British flag, was intercepted by Israeli forces and towed to Ashdod Port before reaching its destination. Amnesty Secretary General Agnes Callamard emphasized that the interception contravenes international law, as the ship was carrying unarmed civilians and essential supplies including food and baby formula.
Callamard stated that Israel, as an occupying power, has a legal responsibility to ensure that civilians in Gaza have access to adequate food and medicine. She urged Israel to allow the delivery of humanitarian supplies and to lift the blockade, which has been deemed illegal by the International Court of Justice. The blockade has resulted in severe humanitarian consequences, with nearly 55,000 people killed in the region since October 2023, according to reports.
The London-based organization also called on the United States to take more decisive actions to end the ongoing conflict and blockade in Gaza. Callamard highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, pointing out issues such as military occupation, apartheid, and the deliberate targeting of humanitarian workers.
The Israeli authorities have detained the 12-member crew of the Madleen, announcing plans to deport all activists on board to their respective countries. Among the detained activists are Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament. Other activists hail from various countries, including Germany, France, Brazil, Turkey, Spain, the Netherlands, and a journalist from Al Jazeera Mubasher.
The interception comes amid warnings from aid agencies about the risk of famine in Gaza due to the ongoing closure of border crossings. Additionally, Israel is facing legal challenges, including arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court for Israeli leaders over war crimes and a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.