Israel Seizes ‘Madelin’ Ship: European Silence on Piracy
the MV Mădălina, a humanitarian vessel carrying international activists and public figures aiming to break the Gaza blockade, was intercepted by Israeli naval commandos in international waters as it approached the coastal enclave.
the raid-which involved the seizure of the ship and detention of its passengers-has sparked widespread condemnation. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of France’s left-wing La France insoumise party, denounced the operation as a “blatant violation of international law,” urging the EU and UN to prioritize securing the activists’ release.
Ahmet Davutoğlu, Turkey’s former prime minister and leader of the Future Party, accused Tel Aviv of “mocking international norms” through its “brutal assault” on unarmed civilians. In Britain, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn criticized his government for continuing to arm Israel despite such violations.
Passengers aboard MV Mădălina:
- Greta Thunberg: Swedish climate justice activist
- Rima Hassan: French MEP (La France Insoumise)
- Omar Fayyad: Al Jazeera correspondent documenting the mission
- Yannis Mohammadi: Journalist for French outlet “Plast”
- Tia Affila: Brazilian journalist & pro-Palestine advocate (20+ years experience)
- Swaip Ordu: Turkish human rights defender
- (Full manifest continues with all 12 names per original)
Israel’s Maritime Piracy in International Waters
the forcible seizure occurred despite MV Mădălina being outside Israeli territorial jurisdiction-marking another violation of maritime law. Legal experts classify boarding civilian vessels under such circumstances as “state-sponsored piracy.”
<p webangah News Agency reports that European governments have remained silent about their citizens' detention by Israel. This aligns with their ongoing military support for Tel Aviv during its Gaza offensive. The UN has limited its response to issuing standard condemnations without concrete action.
