Arab Organisation for Human Rights in the UK (AOHR UK) holds the Israeli occupation authorities fully responsible for the fate and wellbeing of the passengers and crew of the humanitarian vessel Madeleine, who were forcibly seized in international waters while en route to the Gaza Strip as part of an emergency relief mission amidst the ongoing genocide.
AOHR UK expressed deep concern over the safety of those on board, particularly given the incitement and vilification campaign launched against the activists in the days leading up to the attack. This environment of hostility raises the risk of serious harm or ill-treatment, especially in light of recent incidents—most notably the assault on the Conscience (Global Conscience), another vessel in the Freedom Flotilla, which came under attack off the coast of Malta in early May 2025 while attempting to reach Gaza.
AOHR UK pointed out that past assaults on humanitarian maritime missions aimed at breaking the illegal blockade on Gaza underscore the urgent need to act swiftly. The fate of the Madeleine passengers must not echo that of the Mavi Marmara, which was attacked by Israeli forces in international waters on 31 May 2010. That operation resulted in the killing of 10 volunteers, the severe injury of 56 others, and the unlawful detention of all participants—including the wounded—who were subjected to torture and had all humanitarian supplies and personal belongings confiscated.
AOHR UK emphasised that the international community is well aware that Israel is currently governed by individuals under investigation by the International Criminal Court for grave international crimes. Despite this, these leaders continue to escalate their criminal conduct under the cover of global silence. The activists aboard the Madeleine took a principled and peaceful stand in defiance of that silence—risking their lives to deliver a clear and urgent message: the continuation of inaction is no longer acceptable.
AOHR UK further asserted that the forcible seizure of the Madeleine and the abduction of its passengers constitutes a war crime under international law. The vessel was engaged in a humanitarian mission aimed at delivering essential aid to the civilian population of Gaza, which has endured over twenty months of genocidal violence. This crime falls squarely within the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court, and AOHR UK calls on the Office of the Prosecutor to immediately open a formal investigation into this latest violation.
AOHR UK urged the European Union to take concrete and immediate measures to hold the Israeli authorities accountable. Among the detainees is Rima Hassan, a French national and sitting Member of the European Parliament, who is entitled to diplomatic immunity. Israel’s failure to respect this status reflects a brazen disregard for international norms. The Organisation also called on all governments whose citizens are among the detained to act without delay to protect their nationals and secure their prompt and unconditional release.
