Israel’s Seizure of “Madelene” Sparks Global Outrage Over Unlawful Raid in International Waters

Huwaida Arraf, a lawyer and Freedom Flotilla member, told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that legal teams are on the ground in the occupied territories demanding access to the detained activists to verify their safety. The group is coordinating with embassies and civil society allies to pressure governments—including France, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Turkey, and Brazil—to take firm diplomatic steps.

Arraf described the Israeli military’s actions as an illegal abduction in international waters, confirming the activists were forcibly taken to Ashdod Port. She noted the ship was sailing lawfully in Palestinian waters—not near Israeli waters—and emphasized that Israel has no legal jurisdiction over Palestinian maritime zones.

Arraf Condemns Israel’s “Illegal Abduction” of Aid Ship in International Waters

She further stressed that the raid violated the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, international rulings by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Gaza access, and the principle of freedom of navigation. Since the “Madelene” flew the UK flag, Arraf stated that the attack constituted an assault on British sovereignty. She criticized the UK government’s silence, urging it and others to uphold their legal obligations through tangible action, not mere expressions of “concern.”

Arraf also slammed Israeli PR efforts, calling the display of snack and water distribution to the detained activists “grotesque hypocrisy” as Palestinian children starve in Gaza.

The seizure of the “Madelene” sparked international condemnation, as human rights groups and lawmakers protested the raid on a humanitarian ship just kilometers from its final destination. The Freedom Flotilla Alliance confirmed on Telegram that Israeli forces boarded the ship after cutting communications, detaining all 12 volunteers.

The International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza called for global escalation, urging supporters to prepare more aid missions. “If they stop one ship, a hundred more should follow. If they detain 12 people, thousands will rise,” the group declared on X.

The “Madelene” departed Italy on June 1, carrying a symbolic but vital cargo of baby formula, food, and medical supplies. Among those on board were climate activist Greta Thunberg and French MEP Rima Hassan. The mission aimed to challenge Israel’s 20-month-long blockade and starvation campaign in Gaza, widely described as genocide.

Illegal Raid Confirmed by Flotilla Coalition

In an official statement, the Freedom Flotilla Alliance said:“At 3:02 a.m. EET, approximately 110 nautical miles from Gaza, in international waters, Israeli forces illegally boarded the ‘Madelene’. Helicopters and quadrotor drones attacked the vessel and passengers, spraying an unknown white chemical that injured their eyes. Communications were jammed using disruptive sound waves through radio signals.”

The statement continued:“The unarmed civilian crew was abducted, the ship was seized, and its humanitarian cargo—including infant formula, food, and medical aid—was confiscated. We have no contact with the 12 activists, and their location remains unknown.”

The incident has drawn widespread criticism for violating international law, attacking a civilian aid mission, and suppressing peaceful resistance to the Gaza blockade.