Daijiworld Media Network – Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Jun 10: In a dramatic turn of events, five French activists who were on board the Gaza-bound humanitarian vessel Madleen are set to face legal proceedings in Israel after being detained by Israeli forces in international waters. France’s foreign minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, confirmed the development in a statement posted on social media platform X on Tuesday.

The group, part of a larger international aid mission that included Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, was attempting to deliver crucial humanitarian supplies to Gaza when Israeli naval forces intercepted their ship and redirected it to the port of Ashdod. Authorities have confirmed that 12 volunteers from various countries were detained during the operation.

Barrot stated that the French consular services had successfully met with the six French nationals detained. “One of them has agreed to leave voluntarily and is expected to return to France today,” he wrote. “The remaining five will undergo forced deportation procedures under Israeli law.”

Upon arrival in Israel, all detainees were given medical examinations. The Israeli foreign ministry acknowledged their detention, while Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said that the activists were shown video evidence of the October 7 Hamas-led assault on Israel, in an apparent effort to provide context for Israel’s security concerns.

The interception and subsequent detentions have reignited international debate over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the risks taken by activists in delivering aid to conflict zones. Organizers of the mission, however, maintain that their objective was purely humanitarian and intended to alleviate suffering in Gaza amid ongoing hostilities.