Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, has demanded the immediate release of the crew of the Madleen, a civilian aid vessel intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters on Sunday while en route to Gaza.

In a statement posted on X, Albanese condemned the seizure, describing it as a violation of international law and urging global action to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza. “Madleen must be released immediately,” she stated. “Breaking the siege is a legal duty for states, and a moral imperative for all of us.” She called for coordinated humanitarian efforts, suggesting that “every Mediterranean port should send boats with aid, solidarity, and humanity to Gaza.”

The Madleen, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, a network of human rights activists and NGOs, was part of a mission to deliver aid and challenge Israel’s 17-year blockade of Gaza, which human rights groups criticize as collective punishment. The coalition reported on Telegram that the vessel was forcibly boarded by Israeli soldiers, stating, “SOS! The volunteers on ‘Madleen’ have been kidnapped by Israeli forces.”

The 12 pro-Palestinian activists aboard were reportedly nonviolent and cooperative during the interception. No injuries have been reported. Israeli authorities confirmed the ship is being towed to Ashdod port, where the crew will be processed and deported.

The incident has reignited international debate over the Gaza blockade and drawn calls from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and UN representatives for diplomatic intervention to secure the activists’ release and uphold the right to deliver humanitarian aid. (ILKHA)