As the Madleen Gaza Freedom Flotilla faces threats of interception by Israeli forces, three crew members speak to Middle East Eye about the growing threats from Israel as they approach Gaza and their determination to reach the Strip.
“We do not ask an oppressive regime for permission to try to stop their violations,” says Thiago Ávila, a member of the flotilla's steering committee, responding to Israeli threats. “Defence Minister Israel Katz, we do not fear you.”
“We do not ask an oppressive regime for permission to try to stop their violations,” says Thiago Ávila, a member of the flotilla's steering committee, responding to Israeli threats. “Defence Minister Israel Katz, we do not fear you.”
On Sunday 8 June, Yasemin Acar an organiser on board, reported that communication signals have been jammed - a potential sign of an imminent interception.
“If the violence comes, it comes from the Israeli occupation forces,” she said, after Israel said it would deploy naval special forces to stop the boat, which is carrying humanitarian aid including food, medicine, and prosthetics for children.
“If the violence comes, it comes from the Israeli occupation forces,” she said, after Israel said it would deploy naval special forces to stop the boat, which is carrying humanitarian aid including food, medicine, and prosthetics for children.
French-Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan, also aboard, warns that the boat may be intercepted within 24 hours. The crew is preparing for possible arrest or diversion to the Israeli city of Ashdod, near Gaza, but still called for global support: “We call on the international community to raise awareness about the crimes committed in Gaza.”
The Madleen, which set sail from Sicily on 1 June with 12 activists including Greta Thunberg, is determined to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver urgent aid to besieged Palestinians.
The Madleen, which set sail from Sicily on 1 June with 12 activists including Greta Thunberg, is determined to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver urgent aid to besieged Palestinians.
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