![Israeli navy vessels and speedboats are seen off the coast of Ashdod as the Madleen ship, belonging to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) and carrying 12 human rights activists, is expected to be brought to Ashdod Port after being intercepted by Israel on June 9, 2025. [Mostafa Alkharouf - Anadolu Agency]](https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AA-20250609-38231102-38231101-GAZABOUND_AID_SHIP_EXPECTED_TO_BE_BROUGHT_TO_ASHDOD_PORT-1.jpg)
The European Parliament’s Left group today strongly condemned Israel’s interception of a Gaza-bound aid ship in international waters and the detention of the activists on board, calling it a “blatant violation of international law.” “Illegal detention of 12 humanitarian workers and peaceful activists, including The Left MEP Rima Hassan, [is] part of Israel’s wider strategy to starve Palestinians and hide it from the world,” The Left group said in a statement. Early today, British-flagged ship the Madleen, carrying aid, including food and baby formula, was intercepted and boarded by Israeli occupation forces in international waters before reaching Gaza. It was later towed to an Israeli port. Expressing its “strongest condemnation” following the interception, the group said the vessel was only carrying humanitarian aid […]
