Madleen continues voyage towards Gaza despite “Israeli” threats, says ICBSG chief
Defying threats from “Israeli” authorities, the humanitarian aid flotilla Madleen is continuing its journey toward the Gaza Strip, carrying a symbolic one-ton shipment of aid in an effort to break the ongoing blockade on the besieged Strip.
Zaher Birawi, head of the International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza (ICBSG), told Roya that the freedom activists aboard the Madleen, hailing from seven different countries, remain in high spirits and are determined to deliver a message of solidarity and protest against “Israel’s” continued aggression on Gaza.
Birawi said that the Madleen is not carrying any weapons, only humanitarian support and a message of hope.
He described the “Israeli” threats against the vessel as a blatant violation of international law, especially since six of the activists on board are French citizens.
He added that the committee has issued warnings against any attack or interference with the ship or its passengers, and has successfully launched a global petition in solidarity with the mission, which collected over 1.15 million signatures in just two days.
“This ship is not just transporting aid, it is a cry for justice and a call to the world to act against the Israeli aggression and the unjust blockade imposed on over two million people in Gaza,” Birawi told Roya.
He noted that “Israel” is increasingly sensitive to its global image, which has been further tarnished by its ongoing military actions. Any move against the Madleen, he warned, could negatively impact Tel Aviv’s relations with several countries.
Birawi suggested that “Israel” might opt to intercept the ship and redirect it to the port of Ashdod, followed by the deportation of the activists to their respective countries; rather than engaging in direct military escalation.
Birawi suggested that “Israel” might opt to intercept the ship and redirect it to the port of Ashdod, followed by the deportation of the activists to their respective countries; rather than engaging in direct military escalation.
