Freedom Flotilla Issues Legal Warning to Israel Over Civilian Ship Bound for Gaza
Open letter declares “Madeleine” a peaceful, unarmed mission carrying global civil society figures—including Greta Thunberg—and warns of legal consequences for any Israeli interference.
Watan-On Thursday, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition published an open letter to the Israeli government via the Action Network platform, declaring it an official notification regarding the civilian vessel “Madeleine”, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.
The letter asserted that the ship Madeleine is unarmed, poses no threat, and is operating in full compliance with international maritime law, humanitarian law, and human rights law. The passengers on board include members of parliament, journalists, lawyers, and human rights defenders representing global civil society.
As of the time of reporting, the letter had gathered 551,817 signatures. It emphasized that any interference, attack, sabotage, or obstruction targeting the Madeleine or its civilian crew and passengers would constitute a deliberate and illegal act against civilians and a serious violation of international law. The letter further stated that such actions may amount to war crimes under the Fourth Geneva Convention and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
The letter added that the voyage is being monitored in real-time by legal observers, international organizations, and the public, and warned that any hostile act against the ship would prompt immediate legal and diplomatic responses, including lawsuits in international and domestic courts, and actions before human rights bodies.
The Freedom Flotilla holds Israel directly responsible for the safety of everyone on board the Madeleine, vowing to pursue full legal accountability for any harm inflicted, whether by military or civilian authorities, at any level of command. It reiterated that the flotilla is a peaceful, lawful civilian mission and urged Israel to fulfill its obligations under international law and immediately cease all threats or illegal interference with the ships and volunteers.
Israeli Military Prepares to Block Ship
Israeli media reported Thursday that the military is preparing to block the Madeleine, with security forces deployed in the area. If the ship insists on docking in Gaza, the army may seize it and detain the activists, transporting them to Ashdod port for deportation.
The Israeli naval commando unit Shayetet 13 and missile boat units are reportedly ready for potential maritime operations to intercept and control the ship.
UN Experts and Global Figures Join Protest
In a separate statement Thursday, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition condemned Israeli threats to intercept the ship and cited a call by UN human rights experts earlier in the week urging the international community to ensure the Madeleine’s safe passage to Gaza.
The Madeleine set sail last Sunday from Catania port on the Italian island of Sicily as part of a mission to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza. On board are 12 activists, including prominent figures like Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and actor Liam Cunningham.
