International Activists to Sue Netanyahu and Israeli Military Commanders Over Raid on Gaza-Bound Ship
Freedom Flotilla Members Target Israeli Leaders at ICC for Violating International Law and Committing War Crimes.
Watan-Sources told Al-Quds Al-Arabi that a number of activists from the Maddalena ship, part of the Freedom Flotilla, intend to sue Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several senior Israeli military commanders before the International Criminal Court (ICC) for violations of international law, including war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The Israeli navy intercepted the Maddalena—which was headed to break the siege on Gaza—on June 9. The ship was seized in international waters, and 12 international activists onboard were arrested and later deported to their home countries, in what was described as a violation of both international law and international humanitarian law.
Sandra Barrilaro, a member of the Spanish initiative Rumbo a Gaza (Heading to Gaza), stated that activist Sergio Toribio—one of the Maddalena crew—is moving forward with legal action against Israeli military leaders for intercepting the ship.
She told Al-Quds Al-Arabi: “We are exploring the possibility of more Maddalena activists filing legal complaints in their own countries against Israeli leaders, and we will also submit a collective complaint to the International Criminal Court.”
Barrilaro added: “In addition to Benjamin Netanyahu, the criminal complaint targets top Israeli military officers and officials involved in the operation, including Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, who led the operation; David Saar Salama, Vice Admiral and Commander of the Israeli Navy; senior commanders of Shayetet 13, the elite unit that boarded the Maddalena; and Daniel Hagari, the former commander of Shayetet 13 and current spokesperson for the Israeli army.”
Previously, Spanish Member of the European Parliament Ana Miranda Paz told Al-Quds Al-Arabi that Israel’s seizure of the Maddalena constitutes a breach of international law and humanitarian law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Geneva Conventions. She called for protection of EU citizens.
