Macron Slams Israeli Siege on Gaza as “Outrageous,” Demands Ceasefire and Aid Access
France condemns Israel’s interception of the Gaza-bound aid ship "Madelene" with six French activists aboard, calling for immediate return and full humanitarian access to Gaza.
Watan-On Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron described Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip and its obstruction of humanitarian aid as “outrageous”, renewing his call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all detainees, and the reopening of border crossings.
Macron’s remarks followed the Israeli navy’s seizure of the aid ship “Madelene”, part of the Freedom Flotilla, which was intercepted in international waters early Monday while en route to Gaza. Among the activists on board were six French citizens. Macron affirmed that France remains vigilant and stands by its citizens in times of danger, and said that all necessary messages had been delivered to Israel to ensure the activists’ safety and their prompt return to French territory.
Later Monday, Israeli forces escorted the “Madelene” into Ashdod Port, hours after the raid. An AFP photographer confirmed the ship arrived around 8:45 p.m. local time, accompanied by two Israeli naval vessels. The activists’ fate remains unknown.
Global Outcry Over Seizure of Gaza Aid Ship
The interception of the “Madelene”—which was carrying humanitarian aid and symbolic relief supplies—sparked global condemnation, particularly from human rights activists and members of parliament. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition announced via Telegram that Israeli forces boarded the ship after severing its communications, and abducted the 12 human rights activists onboard.
The voyage, which began on June 1st from Italy, included climate activist Greta Thunberg and French MEP Rima Hassan, and aimed to break the blockade on Gaza, where civilians have endured over 20 months of starvation and siege, conditions many international observers now describe as genocide.
Humanitarian Protocols Ignored
Despite international agreements, Israel has failed to implement the full humanitarian entry protocol, which stipulates the daily entry of 600 aid trucks, including fuel. Medical facilities in Gaza are on the brink of collapse due to ongoing fuel shortages and systematic obstruction of aid, amidst growing international frustration and a deliberate slowdown in the flow of essential supplies.
France, along with several European and international voices, is calling for urgent action to end the siege, ensure unimpeded humanitarian access, and protect civilians and aid workers.
