Palestinian resistance groups hail ‘brave’ Madleen ship activists

Palestinian resistance factions praised the courage of the 12 international activists aboard the Gaza aid flotilla, describing their mission as a symbol of global solidarity with the besieged Palestinian population. The activists were abducted by Israeli forces after their ship, the Madleen, was intercepted in international waters, roughly 100 kilometers from Gaza.

Hamas strongly condemned the seizure, calling it an act of “state terrorism.” It urged the United Nations and international bodies to intervene immediately for the release of the detained activists.

“We salute the brave individuals from around the world who defied threats to deliver aid and stood with Gaza. Their actions prove Gaza is not alone,” Hamas said in a statement. The group added that the Madleen and other aid convoys have helped expose Israel’s war crimes and counter its disinformation.

“The hijacking of the Madleen will not silence the voices of justice nor halt the growing international movement in support of Gaza,” the statement continued.

Read: Israeli forces kidnap Madleen ship headed to Gaza, detain activists in international waters

Resistance groups noted that the flotilla included participants from Germany, France, Turkey, Algeria, Tunisia, Jordan, and Brazil, each determined to challenge Israel’s ongoing siege and deliver critical humanitarian supplies to Palestinians in need.

The Palestinian Mujahideen Movement also denounced the Israeli raid as “barbaric,” calling it a blatant act of international piracy. The group said the operation violated all recognized norms and legal principles.

“These activists risked their lives out of a deep commitment to human values and moral conscience—principles Israel continues to trample in Gaza,” the group stated, urging the international community to pressure for the detainees’ immediate release.

The Mujahideen further called for mass mobilisation and global protests in solidarity with the people of Gaza, encouraging citizens worldwide to raise their voices against Israel’s brutal blockade and ongoing aggression.

Check: Greta Thunberg faces death threats as she sails for Gaza on aid ship

Meanwhile, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the group behind the Madleen’s voyage confirmed late Sunday that Israeli forces had intercepted the vessel and kidnapped all 12 passengers. Among them is renowned Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reportedly ordered that the activists be shown footage from the October 7 Hamas attack upon their arrival in Israel.