Anadolu staff
June 10, 2025•Update: June 10, 2025
BRUSSELS
Leaders of three major political groups in the European Parliament on Tuesday urged the EU to take action for the release of those aboard a civilian aid flotilla intercepted by Israeli forces en route to Gaza.
In a joint statement, the leaders of the Greens/EFA, the Socialists and Democrats (S&D), and The Left groups voiced "deep concern" over the deteriorating situation in Gaza and said the interception of aid vessel Madleen, carrying baby formula, food, medical supplies, and water purification equipment, reflected the growing despair of the international community.
Among those aboard were nine EU citizens, including French MEP Rima Hassan. The group leaders called for the immediate release of all individuals detained.
They criticized the international community, including the EU, for failing to ensure safe and sustained humanitarian access to Gaza, where over two million people are in dire need.
The signatories urged Israel to lift all barriers to unimpeded aid delivery, in line with international humanitarian law, and reiterated demands for a permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and a credible path toward a two-state solution.
They called on the European Commission, the EU's foreign policy chief, and member states to "redouble efforts" to prevent further loss of civilian life and uphold international law.
"The European Parliament must speak with a united voice in support of peace, justice, and the protection of civilians," the statement concluded.
Madleen was seized by Israeli naval forces on Sunday while sailing in international waters and redirected to the port of Ashdod.
Part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the aid ship had a 12-strong crew on board, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and French-Palestinian Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan.
Other activists aboard the Madleen included Yasemin Acar from Germany; Baptiste Andre, Pascal Maurieras, Yanis Mhamdi and Reva Viard from France; Thiago Avila from Brazil, Suayb Ordu from Türkiye, Sergio Toribio from Spain, Marco van Rennes from the Netherlands and Omar Faiad, a journalist with Al Jazeera Mubasher, also from France.
