Spanish Activist Calls for Intervention After Being Detained by Israeli Forces
Sergio Toribio, a Spanish activist sailing aboard the Freedom Flotilla ship, has called for urgent support from friends and family after being intercepted by the Israeli Army in an attempt to break the blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. In a pre-recorded video, Toribio declared, "If you are watching this video, we have been intercepted at sea and I have been kidnapped by the Israeli occupation forces, or by the forces of a country complicit in the genocide of Palestinians by Israel. I ask all my comrades, friends, and family to pressure the Government of Spain to demand my release as soon as possible." His message reflects a growing concern for the safety of international activists amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has described the interception of the ship, the Madleen, as a significant incident, as it occurred shortly after the ship reported a drone attack and Israeli troops boarded it, preventing them from delivering much-needed aid. This action is part of a long-standing series of efforts by the Freedom Flotilla to breach the Israeli blockade imposed on Gaza since 2007, aiming to provide critical support to a region suffering from severe humanitarian crises exacerbated by military offensives. Just recently, the region has been deeply affected by violence following attacks on October 7, 2023.
Among the detained were several international volunteers, including prominent figures like Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and French MEP Rima Hassan, demonstrating the global commitment to humanitarian actions. The organizer of the Freedom Flotilla, Huwaida Arraf, characterized the detentions as arbitrary and illegal, asserting that Israel has no authority to detain international volunteers, who cannot be legally penalized for their efforts to challenge an unlawful blockade.
In response, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement claiming that all passengers aboard the Madleen are safe, sharing video evidence of the activists in life jackets. However, the ministry also dismissed the operation as a media stunt, suggesting that it was not a serious attempt to deliver aid but rather a performance.
The Freedom Flotilla continues to spotlight the plight of the Palestinian people, advocating for adherence to international law through acts of civil disobedience and nonviolent protest. With horrific reports indicating that the ongoing Israeli offensive has resulted in nearly 54,900 deaths, according to Gazan authorities aligned with Hamas, the call for international action is more pressing than ever. As Toribio’s plea reaches the shores of Spain, the global community watches and awaits the response of governments and organizations in the face of escalating tensions and humanitarian needs.
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