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Saturday, Jun 14, 2025
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European Union Reacts to Detention of Freedom Flotilla Crew in Israel
EU places responsibility for detained crew members on their respective countries of origin.
Brussels – Following the interception of the Freedom Flotilla by Israeli authorities, the European Union has stated that accountability for the detained crew members lies with their home countries.
In a statement released after 5 PM local time on June 9, the European Commission remarked that the responsibility for ensuring consular protection rests with the nations of the detainees.
The brief communication emphasized, through a spokesperson, that the states of nationality bear the primary responsibility in this context.
The Freedom Flotilla consists of twelve volunteers, including prominent figures such as French MEP Rima Hassan and environmental activist Greta Thunberg.
They are currently being held at the Israeli port of Ashdod, located approximately 30 kilometers south of Tel Aviv, following the confiscation of their boat and its humanitarian aid cargo.
Hassan’s social media accounts have reported that the crew has been detained for over 14 hours, following what they describe as an unlawful interception while delivering aid to Gaza outside Israeli territorial waters.
In light of the situation, the Elysée Palace has affirmed France's commitment to ensuring the prompt return of its six citizens.
Responses from other nations have included condemnations from both Spain and Turkey regarding the Israeli actions.
The European Commission, however, has refrained from directly criticizing Israel, lacking any statement condemning the actions taken against the Freedom Flotilla.
Instead, a spokesperson reiterated the EU's call for immediate and unrestricted resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza, underscoring the need for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages.
In a bid to prompt action from EU leadership, 41 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have addressed an urgent letter to President Ursula von der Leyen and High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas.
They urge the EU executive to seek the immediate release of the detained volunteers and to guarantee protection for European aid workers.
The coalition of MEPs, representing the Green/Ale, The Left, S&D, and Renew groups, has requested a public condemnation of the interception and a clear position from Brussels regarding violations of international humanitarian law by the Israeli government.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, currently in the United States, has communicated with Israeli authorities regarding the safety of MEP Rima Hassan and her colleagues.
Her office has maintained that the situation remains active, asserting that the Parliament will persist in contacting all parties until a resolution is achieved.
The spokesperson added that the EU institutions will advocate for the protection and respectful treatment of all elected representatives globally.
Amnesty International has echoed concerns, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of the detained individuals, while emphasizing the imperative of protecting them from any form of torture or mistreatment.
As the twelve volunteers await transfer to a detention center in Ramla, the ongoing violence in Gaza has been highlighted by the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry, reporting 47 Palestinians killed and 388 injured in recent Israeli military operations.
In a statement released after 5 PM local time on June 9, the European Commission remarked that the responsibility for ensuring consular protection rests with the nations of the detainees.
The brief communication emphasized, through a spokesperson, that the states of nationality bear the primary responsibility in this context.
The Freedom Flotilla consists of twelve volunteers, including prominent figures such as French MEP Rima Hassan and environmental activist Greta Thunberg.
They are currently being held at the Israeli port of Ashdod, located approximately 30 kilometers south of Tel Aviv, following the confiscation of their boat and its humanitarian aid cargo.
Hassan’s social media accounts have reported that the crew has been detained for over 14 hours, following what they describe as an unlawful interception while delivering aid to Gaza outside Israeli territorial waters.
In light of the situation, the Elysée Palace has affirmed France's commitment to ensuring the prompt return of its six citizens.
Responses from other nations have included condemnations from both Spain and Turkey regarding the Israeli actions.
The European Commission, however, has refrained from directly criticizing Israel, lacking any statement condemning the actions taken against the Freedom Flotilla.
Instead, a spokesperson reiterated the EU's call for immediate and unrestricted resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza, underscoring the need for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages.
In a bid to prompt action from EU leadership, 41 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have addressed an urgent letter to President Ursula von der Leyen and High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas.
They urge the EU executive to seek the immediate release of the detained volunteers and to guarantee protection for European aid workers.
The coalition of MEPs, representing the Green/Ale, The Left, S&D, and Renew groups, has requested a public condemnation of the interception and a clear position from Brussels regarding violations of international humanitarian law by the Israeli government.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, currently in the United States, has communicated with Israeli authorities regarding the safety of MEP Rima Hassan and her colleagues.
Her office has maintained that the situation remains active, asserting that the Parliament will persist in contacting all parties until a resolution is achieved.
The spokesperson added that the EU institutions will advocate for the protection and respectful treatment of all elected representatives globally.
Amnesty International has echoed concerns, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of the detained individuals, while emphasizing the imperative of protecting them from any form of torture or mistreatment.
As the twelve volunteers await transfer to a detention center in Ramla, the ongoing violence in Gaza has been highlighted by the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry, reporting 47 Palestinians killed and 388 injured in recent Israeli military operations.
