JERUSALEM — As part of an ongoing series of deportations, Israel is sending away six additional activists who were captured while attempting to deliver aid to the war-stricken Gaza Strip, according to reports from the representing human rights group.
Among the deportees is Rima Hassan, a member of the European Parliament from France. She had previously been blocked from entering Israel and Palestinian regions due to her backing of boycotts against Israel. This group was part of a dozen individuals aboard the Madleen, a vessel that intended to breach Israel’s blockade of Gaza and provide a symbolic load of aid. The vessel was seized by Israeli forces early Monday, and climate activist Greta Thunberg along with three others were deported the following day.
According to Adalah, a local human rights organization assisting the activists, the final pair are anticipated to be deported on Friday. The group reported that the activists endured “mistreatment, punitive measures, and aggressive treatment,” with two volunteers experiencing solitary confinement.
Israeli officials chose not to comment on these allegations. They assert that detainees are handled lawfully and that claims of abuse are subject to investigation. The Israeli portrayal of the activists’ mission was dismissive, labeling it the “selfie yacht,” suggesting it was a media stunt.
Israel defends its blockade, which has been in place alongside Egypt since Hamas took control in 2007, arguing its necessity to prevent arms importation by the militant group. However, critics argue that it equates to punishing Gaza’s approximately 2 million residents collectively.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry noted that those activists consenting to deportation documents will be deported immediately. In contrast, those who decline would face a judicial process to formalize their deportation under Israeli law. Activists claim that they never intended to enter Israel and were taken there forcefully.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organized the vessel’s voyage, stated that their goal was to protest Israel’s blockade on Gaza and the ongoing military actions, which experts argue have brought the territory perilously close to a famine scenario amidst an extended conflict.