· SfP Göttingen · 2 min read
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Freedom Flotilla Madleen
Despite international law, Israeli forces violently seized the Madleen in international waters – blocking vital aid to Gaza and abducting all 12 human rights activists on board.
June 1 – Start of the humanitarian mission
The sailing ship Madleen, flying under the British flag and named after the Palestinian fisherwoman Madleen Culab, leaves Catania, Sicily. The mission goal: to deliver urgently needed aid to Gaza and nonviolently challenge the illegal Israeli naval blockade. On board are 12 international human rights activists and observers, including the German citizen Yasemin Acar.
June 3 – European drone surveillance
A drone of the Greek coast guard begins tracking the ship. Activists report increasing surveillance and suspect that EU states cooperate with Israeli intelligence to sabotage the legal humanitarian mission.
June 4 – Threats from Israel
As the Madleen approaches Crete, Israeli authorities publicly issue threats of violence. The UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories warns that obstructing the ship constitutes a violation of humanitarian international law.
June 5 – Rescue at sea in the Mediterranean
The Madleen changes course to rescue four Sudanese refugees from a sinking boat. The ethical principles of the mission are impressively confirmed – in contrast to the increasing military aggression against them.
June 7 – Heading toward Gaza through Egyptian waters
The ship sets course for Gaza, approaching Egyptian maritime zones in the Mediterranean. Despite increasing threats, the crew remains determined to reach the blockaded coastal area.
June 8 – Night drone attack
At night, Israeli drones fly over the Madleen, releasing an unknown white substance – likely UV-marking paint used militarily for target acquisition. Simultaneously, the communication is disrupted: GPS, radio, and satellite connections fail. The crew is thus isolated and vulnerable. The attack is documented and represents a clear escalation against the civilian mission – a violation of international maritime law.
June 9 – Piracy on the high seas
Around 2:00 AM UTC, Israeli naval commandos storm the Madleen in international waters – an act of state-sponsored piracy and a clear violation of international law. Armed soldiers forcibly detain all 12 crew members. The aid supplies, protected under the Geneva Conventions, are stolen. The ship is seized and redirected to Israel.
Worldwide condemnation of a crime
Human rights organizations, UN experts, and international lawyers condemn the Israeli action as an egregious violation of international maritime law. The activists are illegally detained, and the aid does not reach Gaza. This act of modern piracy by a state that disregards international law provokes worldwide outrage – yet legal consequences are lacking.
