Seda Sevencan
08 June 2025•Update: 08 June 2025
ISTANBUL
Ireland’s deputy prime minister and a former UK opposition leader on Sunday called for the safe and peaceful passage of a civilian aid flotilla sailing toward Gaza.
Simon Harris, Ireland’s tanaiste (deputy prime minister), described the vessel Madleen as “an incredible effort to get food and medicine to the starving people of Gaza.”
“It is an unarmed, civilian effort to do good in the midst of devastation and catastrophic humanitarian conditions,” he said on X. “Any use of force against it would constitute a breach of international law. The international community must be clear on this.”
Former Labour leader and independent MP Jeremy Corbyn, who submitted a bill to parliament calling for an independent inquiry into the UK’s role in Israel’s war on Gaza, also voiced support for the flotilla, sharing a statement from the Independent Alliance.
“The Freedom Flotilla sailing toward Gaza is not just carrying life-saving aid. It is carrying solidarity, hope and our shared humanity,” the statement read.
It said the flotilla aims to save Palestinian lives amid starvation caused by Israel. “Threatening to intercept it is a grotesque and alarming pretext for an attack — a blatant war crime."
“We are in admiration of the brave individuals on board,” the statement said.
“They must be allowed to deliver humanitarian aid. And they must be allowed to deliver a vital message to the Palestinian people from millions of us around the world: you are not alone.”
As part of the latest mission organized by the FFC to break the blockade on Gaza and deliver aid to the region, the 18-meter sailing boat Madleen set sail for Gaza on June 1 from the Port of San Giovanni Li Cuti in Catania, Sicily, Italy.
The ship is carrying urgently needed supplies for the people of Gaza, including baby formula, flour, rice, diapers, women’s sanitary products, water desalination kits, medical supplies, crutches, and children’s prosthetics, according to its organizers.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered the military to prevent the vessel from reaching Gaza.
