European Lawmaker Claims Israeli Targeting of Humanitarian Ship Violates International Law
French MEP Reema Hassan emphasizes the necessity for the ship Madeline to safely reach Gaza amidst potential Israeli intervention.
Reema Hassan, a French Member of the European Parliament, stated from aboard the humanitarian ship Madeline en route to Gaza that any attempt to target or intercept the vessel constitutes a blatant violation of international law.
She called for the ship to be allowed safe passage to Gaza and for its security to be ensured during its humanitarian mission.
During an interview from the ship, Hassan noted that the crew is gradually approaching the territory, with expectations to reach within 100 nautical miles of Gaza by Monday.
She highlighted that the situation would become critical once the vessel enters waters controlled by the Israeli authorities, where it is anticipated that Israeli forces may attempt to stop the ship, potentially through an attack or by detaining those on board.
In preparation for possible Israeli intervention, Hassan outlined two primary scenarios.
The first scenario includes the potential for the vessel to be stopped, attacked, or for crew members to be detained and taken to Israeli territory for questioning before being returned to their home countries.
The mission's goal is to generate significant public attention regarding the ongoing blockade of Gaza.
Hassan also pointed to a broad parliamentary initiative within Europe supporting the ship's mission, stating that she has contacted over 200 parliamentary members across Europe, who collectively issued a message demanding assurances for the ship's safety as it approaches Gaza.
The French MEP stressed the necessity for each European country to individually intervene to protect their citizens participating in this mission, emphasizing that they cannot achieve this protection alone.
She clarified that individuals on board the ship represent various European nationalities, and therefore, these countries need to engage with the Israeli authorities to ensure the operation proceeds safely.
Hassan asserted the importance of reaffirming the legal basis for this mission, noting that the applicable international law is clear: the residents of Gaza have the right to receive humanitarian assistance facilitated by the ship's entry via sea.
She called for the ship to be allowed safe passage to Gaza and for its security to be ensured during its humanitarian mission.
During an interview from the ship, Hassan noted that the crew is gradually approaching the territory, with expectations to reach within 100 nautical miles of Gaza by Monday.
She highlighted that the situation would become critical once the vessel enters waters controlled by the Israeli authorities, where it is anticipated that Israeli forces may attempt to stop the ship, potentially through an attack or by detaining those on board.
In preparation for possible Israeli intervention, Hassan outlined two primary scenarios.
The first scenario includes the potential for the vessel to be stopped, attacked, or for crew members to be detained and taken to Israeli territory for questioning before being returned to their home countries.
The mission's goal is to generate significant public attention regarding the ongoing blockade of Gaza.
Hassan also pointed to a broad parliamentary initiative within Europe supporting the ship's mission, stating that she has contacted over 200 parliamentary members across Europe, who collectively issued a message demanding assurances for the ship's safety as it approaches Gaza.
The French MEP stressed the necessity for each European country to individually intervene to protect their citizens participating in this mission, emphasizing that they cannot achieve this protection alone.
She clarified that individuals on board the ship represent various European nationalities, and therefore, these countries need to engage with the Israeli authorities to ensure the operation proceeds safely.
Hassan asserted the importance of reaffirming the legal basis for this mission, noting that the applicable international law is clear: the residents of Gaza have the right to receive humanitarian assistance facilitated by the ship's entry via sea.