Monday morning began on a dreadful note as netizens woke up to the news of an Israeli Navy interception of a Gaza aid vessel, Madleen.
The ship, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), set out to deliver “symbolic aid” (rice, baby formula and medical supplies) to Gaza and break the blockade of the Palestinian enclave.
Israeli naval commandos boarded Madleen in international waters, an estimated 185-200 km off the Gaza coast, in the early hours of June 9. The interception has been subject to much international debate, with extensive discourse about the legitimacy of the Israeli navy’s actions.
Who was on the Aid Vessel?
12 prominent activists from seven countries were aboard the Gaza aid vessel. Israeli officials have labelled them as terrorist supporters and discredited their mission. However, these brave men and women have been universally recognised and praised as heroes for their courageous endeavours.
Here are the names of the 12 activists on-board people:
Greta Thunberg
Greta Thunberg, a 22-year-old Swedish activist, was the most high-profile name aboard the Gaza aid vessel. Thunberg has made headlines in the past due to her vocal stance on climate change and an infamous Twitter war with controversial influencer Andrew Tate.
Rima Hassan
Thunberg was accompanied by Rima Hassan, a member of the European Parliament. Hassan made history by becoming the first French Palestinian to become a European MP. In the past, she has publicly denounced the genocide committed by Israel in Gaza.
Yasemin Acar
Yasemin Acar from Germany was also on board the Gaza aid Flotilla. Acar called on everyone to pressure their governments to stop military support for Israel, citing this as a major reason for the continuation of the illegal blockade on Gaza.
Omar Faiad
Omar Faiad, a dedicated French journalist, was Al Jazeera Mubasher’s correspondent for the voyage.
Thiago Avila
Thiago Avila is a Brazilian, Latin American FFC coordinator who has supported the Palestinian cause for nearly two decades.
Suayb Ordu
Suayb Ordu is a peaceful Turkish volunteer who has publicly declared non-retaliation, ensuring that the voyage remained nonviolent.
In a message posted on his Instagram, as the ship neared Gaza, “If any harm comes to me, if they kill me, and they cannot prove it with visual evidence, let it be known that I took no action.”
Sergio Toribio
Sergio Toribio is a Spanish activist and a member of the marine conservation group, Sea Shepherd.
Baptiste Andre
Baptiste Andre is a doctor who sailed to provide medical assistance
Yanis Mhamdi
Yanis Mhamdi is a filmmaker who was documenting the voyage. In a video recorded before the interception, Mhamdi urged the “French authorities to expedite his release if he is detained” when they see the video, which was to be released in case of an attack.
Pascal Maurieras
Pascal Maurieras is an FFC veteran previously detained in a 2018 mission to Gaza. Following his fellow detainees’ calls, he urged the French government to intervene.
Reva Viard
Reva Viard from France was also aboard the Madleen. s an activist who has echoed many of his fellow detainees’ beliefs in ending the violence in Gaza.
Mark van Rennes
Dutch citizen and member of the Dutch Boat to Gaza, Mark Van Rennes, is also among the 12 on the ship. He called on the Dutch government to secure the release of those detained.
The FFC claimed that the 12 unarmed activists were “kidnapped,” and Madleen’s interception was a breach of international law. The French Government has urged Israel to return the French nationals as soon as possible.
Although it may not have delivered humanitarian aid with its intended motives, the mission could be labelled as a success because it has raised global awareness about the blockade on Gaza, and Israel’s barbarian and illegal actions, even against unarmed civilians.
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