Israel detains activists from 'Madeleine' ship after rejecting deportation

Israeli authorities have detained several activists aboard the "Madeleine," a ship from the Freedom Flotilla intercepted near Gaza, following their refusal to sign deportation documents. Among those who agreed to leave were four activists, including Swedish pro-Palestinian campaigner Greta Thunberg, who signed the papers and were scheduled to depart Israel on separate flights.

Eight activists, including European Parliament member Reema Hassan, declined to sign the deportation papers and have been transferred to a detention center pending judicial review. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed that one French activist agreed to deportation, while five others would face Israeli courts.

Israeli immigration officials conducted hearings overnight with all twelve participants of the Freedom Flotilla, which aimed to break the blockade on Gaza and raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis affecting its residents. The four who signed the deportation documents were set to leave Israel, while the eight refusals were moved to detention facilities for judicial proceedings regarding their deportation.

The human rights organization Adalah, representing the activists, reported that after over 20 hours in detention, the activists were headed to Ben Gurion Airport for hearings ahead of their deportation. Legal teams were on hand to provide counsel and document their treatment during the interception.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated that the activists had been transferred to Ben Gurion Airport in preparation for deportation, emphasizing that those who refused to sign the documents would face legal proceedings under Israeli law.

Israeli authorities intercepted the "Madeleine," which had sailed from Italy to Gaza, employing media strategies to shift the narrative from a forceful takeover to one of humanitarian treatment, including distributing water and sandwiches to the activists. The operation was executed by the elite naval commandos of the "Shayetet 13" unit without any reported injuries.

From the outset of the journey in early June, Israeli naval forces had prepared for interception, training for various scenarios while minimizing media attention. Israeli Security Minister Yisrael Katz warned activists that the military would take "any necessary action" to prevent the convoy from reaching Gaza, asserting Israel's commitment to maintaining the naval blockade aimed at stopping arms from reaching Hamas. Katz specifically addressed Thunberg and her companions, urging them to abandon their mission.

The interception and detention of the "Madeleine" activists have ignited international outrage, with human rights advocates and lawmakers condemning the Israeli military's seizure of the aid ship just kilometers from Gaza's shores and the detention of its crew.

The ship's name, "Madeleine," honors Palestinian fisherwoman Madeleine Kullab, who lost everything amid ongoing Israeli aggression since October 7, 2023. Kullab's story symbolizes the devastating impact of the conflict on Gaza's livelihoods, particularly fishing, which has faced severe challenges. The activists chose the name to highlight the humanitarian crisis and pay tribute to her enduring struggle.

Kullab accepted the activists' gesture but urged caution, noting that the supplies aboard included rice, flour, and medicine, and emphasized that their mission was peaceful and compliant with all instructions.

This episode underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding the blockade of Gaza and the international efforts to challenge it through humanitarian activism.