How did world react to 'Israeli' seizure of Madleen in open seas?
Governments, rights groups, and international organizations have condemned Israeli Occupation’s seizure of the Madleen, a humanitarian aid ship intercepted in international waters while en route to Gaza.
The Madleen, organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), was carrying food, medicine, and 12 international activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, when 'Israeli' forces boarded it roughly 100 nautical miles from Gaza. A video released by the coalition showed activists with their hands raised as 'Israeli' troops surrounded them.
Israeli Occupation’s prison service announced earlier Monday it is ready to receive the activists from the Madleen ship. According to Israel Hayom, separate cells have been prepared in Givon Prison in Ramla, following orders by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir to ban communication devices, radios, televisions, and any Palestinian symbols.
The Madleen is protected by international law and was legally allowed to reach Gaza.
The interception has triggered a wave of international criticism and comments:
Palestine
Hamas denounced the seizure as a “flagrant violation of international law,” calling for the immediate release of all activists. Rights group Al-Haq stressed that Israeli Occupation had “no legal authority” to prevent the ship’s passage, asserting that access to Palestine is an “exclusive right of the Palestinian people.”
Sweden
Sweden’s Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard said Monday that Greta Thunberg and 11 other activists illegally detained by 'Israeli' forces are not in danger and do not require consular support, according to Swedish media.
She added that the activists "bear personal responsibility," as Sweden had long advised against travel to Gaza.
Ireland
Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris called the Gaza-bound aid ship Madleen a “powerful symbol” of urgent humanitarian action, criticizing Israeli Occupation’s interception of the unarmed vessel.
“The Madleen was an effort to get food and medicine to the starving people of Gaza; an unarmed civilian effort in the midst of devastation and catastrophic humanitarian conditions,” he said.
Harris said the attempt to deliver food and medicine to starving Palestinians highlights the global failure to address Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and condemned Israeli Occupation’s ongoing blockade.
Iran
A spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry described the operation as “piracy,” emphasizing that the attack in international waters breaches international law and underscores Israeli Occupation’s “illegal and aggressive behavior.”
Turkiye
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the interception, calling it a “clear violation of international law” and saying it demonstrated that “Israel is once again acting as a terror state.” The ministry demanded accountability and urged the international community to respond.
France
President Emmanuel Macron has called for the immediate return of the six French nationals on board. France also demanded access to the detainees for consular protection. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized that Paris expects full transparency from 'Israeli' authorities.
Spain
Spain’s Foreign Ministry summoned Israeli Occupation’s chargé d’affaires in Madrid in protest. Spanish media quoted officials expressing alarm over the detention of Spanish citizen Sergio Toribio and the overall legality of Israeli Occupation’s actions in international waters.
Australia
The Jewish Council of Australia released a statement expressing “grave concern” for the safety of the activists and called on Canberra to “urgently intervene” to secure their release and ensure humanitarian efforts to Gaza are respected.
United States
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) sharply criticized the 'Israeli' operation, calling it a “cowardly and illegal attack” and praised the Madleen activists for their courage in trying to deliver aid to Gaza amid a worsening humanitarian crisis.
European Parliament
The European Parliament’s Left group, which includes activist and MEP Rima Hassan, said Israeli Occupation’s actions constituted a “blatant violation of international law.” They accused Israel of attempting to “starve and massacre Palestinians in Gaza” and called for immediate international action.
United Nations
Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, called for the ship’s immediate release. She urged Mediterranean countries to launch their own solidarity missions, saying “united, they will be unstoppable.”
Amnesty International
Amnesty Secretary-General Agnes Callamard said Israeli Occupation, as the occupying power recognized by the ICJ, has a legal obligation to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. She stated the seizure “violates international law” and highlighted the growing urgency of Gaza’s humanitarian needs.
