THE recently-detained Freedom Flotilla crew have joined organisations from 28 countries to launch a global declaration for an end to the genocide in Gaza and the escalation of war across the Middle East.
The Madleen set sail for Gaza on June 1 with the aim of delivering much needed aid and breaking Israel's naval blockade on the enclave, however, Israeli forces intercepted the Madleen while it was in international waters, seized the ship and detained the activists on board.
The 12 crew members, including activist Greta Thunberg, were then detained and have now all been deported.
Now, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition have joined calls from 69 groups to connect crises facing Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and the wider world in a declaration for the public to sign.
Organisers hope the declaration will unite people and movements working on distinct but connected regional crises. The "Madleen Declaration" can be read here.
In the statement, the story of the Madleen has been connected to its wider context of rapid militarisation and war, Israel’s genocide in Gaza, the ongoing deadly blockade against people crossing to Europe, deepening global inequality, and the climate crisis.
It also calls for a unified movement for a free Palestine, economic justice, human rights, safe movement, and environmental transformation across the Mediterranean.
Signing individuals and organisations include MEP Carola Rackete (below) from the Left Group in the European Parliament, Fridays for Future International and Germany’s Sea-Watch e.V.
Rackete said: “The Madleen’s rescue of four people seeking safety on its voyage to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza exposes the connections between violent regimes across the region.”
“Whilst European governments arm campaigns of mass displacement – including in Palestine – their border blockade kills and harms people seeking safety. The same drones that surveil Gaza also surveil the Mediterranean for European border agencies.”
“The situation in Palestine provides a glimpse into a dystopian future; if we do not win the recognition of human rights and land rights, as well as social, economic and environmental justice for everyone.”
Mohammed Usrof, executive director of the Palestine Institute for Climate Strategies, also commented: “Over the last 20 months the world has been forced to watch the murder of at least 62,000 people, and a further one and a half million people deliberately starved by Israel while under constant bombardment.
“It fell to ordinary people in one small boat to attempt to break the blockade. And it will fall to ordinary people to clean up the mess made by those in power: of war and genocide, violent borders, ecocide, and globalised economic exploitation.”
“We are launching the Madleen Declaration to give voice to this effort; connecting people and movements across borders who still believe that while the world may feel on the brink, we have time to build something better.”
