Israeli authorities deported six out of eight activists from the Madleen Freedom Flotilla after their boat was intercepted trying to breach the Gaza naval blockade, with human rights groups condemning their treatment during custody.
Activists Deported After Gaza Aid Boat Interception
Activists Deported After Gaza Aid Boat Interception
Six activists deported from Israel following the interception of their boat attempting to deliver aid to Gaza.
Six activists deported from Israel after their attempts to deliver aid to Gaza have highlighted tensions in the region. The Israeli foreign ministry confirmed that six of the eight activists were deported following the interception of their boat, the Madleen, which was apprehended in international waters.
The human rights group Adalah provided legal support to the activists and reported they were transferred to Ben Gurion Airport after being held for over 72 hours. Among those deported was Rima Hassan, a French-Palestinian member of the European Parliament, who urged supporters to meet her upon her arrival in Paris.
In a post on the platform X, the foreign ministry remarked, "Six more passengers from the 'selfie yacht,' including Rima Hassan, are on their way out of Israel." They also shared images of the activists boarding a flight, adding a dismissive remark about taking selfies.
The deported activists included individuals from various countries, with the remaining two—both French nationals—still in Givon prison awaiting their deportation scheduled for Friday. Adalah condemned the activists' treatment during their captivity, alleging mistreatment and solitary confinement.
The Israeli government previously indicated that those who do not agree to deportation could face judicial proceedings. The Madleen, carrying 12 individuals, aimed to deliver a symbolic amount of aid to Gaza amidst a continuing humanitarian crisis exacerbated by Israel's blockade.
Israel described the boat as a "selfie yacht," downplaying its intent and emphasizing that the aid—less than a truckload—would be channeled through recognized humanitarian means.
The deportation follows heightened tensions and military actions in the region, with Israel having resumed aggressive operations following hostilities initiated by Hamas. The UN has warned of critical humanitarian conditions in Gaza affecting its 2.1 million residents, who are facing severe food shortages as a result of the ongoing conflict.
In light of this, Israel is now prioritizing aid distribution through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a move met with resistance from various UN and aid organizations for breaching humanitarian principles.
The ongoing conflict has seen extensive casualties, with official reports noting over 55,000 deaths in Gaza since the escalation, raising urgent calls for a stable humanitarian response amid the crisis.
