Khursheed Alam Dawood Qasmi
Freedom Flotilla Coalition:
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition is a peaceful, global grassroots initiative. Its core mission is to challenge Israel’s illegal blockade of the Gaza Strip, deliver essential humanitarian aid to its besieged population, and awaken the conscience of the international community. The movement remains active through peaceful, non-violent voyages aimed at raising global awareness. The coalition was formed in 2010, following a brutal assault by the Israeli navy on the humanitarian flotilla “Mavi Marmara”, which was en route to Gaza from Turkey. The attack resulted in the martyrdom of ten peace activists. The incident sparked widespread international condemnation, and in its aftermath, various organizations and human rights defenders from around the world united to establish what is now known as the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.
Key Members of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition:
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition does not operate from any formal headquarters. Its membership comprises organizations from various regions around the world, united in their opposition to the brutal and illegal blockade of the Gaza Strip. Among its prominent affiliates are: Ship to Gaza (Sweden and Norway), Canadian Boat to Gaza (Canada), US Boats to Gaza (United States), MyCARE (Malaysia), Kia Ora Gaza (New Zealand), and the International Committee for Breaking the Siege of Gaza. In addition, volunteer groups from countries such as Spain, Italy, South Africa, Turkey and the United Kingdom also play an active role in the coalition. All members work collectively to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza via peaceful, unarmed maritime missions, and to raise global awareness against Israel’s ongoing blockade.
Freedom Flotilla’s Humanitarian Missions to Gaza:
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has undertaken several peaceful and unarmed maritime missions to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. One of the most notable was the 2010 Mavi Marmara mission, during which ten volunteers were killed in an Israeli attack. Subsequent efforts included the 2015 Freedom Flotilla III, the women-only 2016 voyage aboard the Zaytouna-Oliva, Break the Siege and Hadala: for the Children of Gaza in 2024 and the most recent 2025 missions involving the vessels Conscience and Madleen. All of these missions were met with Israeli obstruction. Despite the repeated blockades, the coalition’s objective has remained consistent: to challenge the Israeli siege, deliver aid to the people of Gaza, and draw global attention to the dire humanitarian situation faced by Palestinians.
Departure of the Aid Ship Madleen with Humanitarian Supplies:
On 1st June 2025, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition launched an aid ship bound for Gaza. Named Madleen, the vessel set sail from the southern Italian island of Sicily, carrying humanitarian supplies and international human rights activists on board. The coalition expected the ship to reach Gaza’s coastline within a week. A total of twelve volunteers were aboard, along with essential relief items including baby formula, flour, rice, diapers, women’s hygiene products, water purification kits, medical supplies, crutches and prosthetic limbs for children. The mission aimed to deliver aid to the besieged Palestinians facing genocide and to draw international attention to the ongoing blockade of Gaza.
Activists Aboard the Ship Madleen:
The Madleen carried twelve courageous and prominent individuals from around the world, who risked their lives to raise the flag of justice and humanity for the besieged people of Gaza. Among them was renowned Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg, whose participation brought global attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Rima Hassan, a member of the European Parliament from France and a staunch advocate for Palestinian rights, was also on board. The mission included other notable figures such as Sergio Toribio, a leading figure in Spain’s human rights movement, and Irish actor Liam Cunningham. Additionally, the delegation featured Thiago Avila from Brazil, Turkish solidarity activist Suayb Ordu, German activist Yasemin Acar, French journalists Omar Faiad, Pascal Mourieras, Riva Viard, Marco van Rennes, and Baptiste Andre. Despite their diverse professions and backgrounds, all participants were united by a shared humanitarian goal: to protest the blockade of Gaza, deliver aid to its oppressed people, and awaken the conscience of the international community. Their courage and sacrifice will be remembered as a shining chapter in the history of human solidarity.
Siege of the Aid Ship Madleen:
The occupying Israeli forces had given prior instruction to their naval units to take action against the Madleen before it could reach the Gaza Strip. The Israeli navy launched an assault on the Madleen in international waters on 9th June 2025 at 03:00 am, besieging and seizing control of the vessel. At the very moment the Israeli forces began their operation to blockade the ship, Freedom Flotilla Coalition member Thiago Avila reported a malfunction in the Madleen’s navigation systems, accusing Israel of attempting to jam or sabotage their equipment. After surrounding the ship, the Israeli forces demanded that everyone on board turn off their mobile phones, cutting off all communication with the outside world. The navy then deployed drones to spray a white substance onto the ship, which caused skin irritation among the activists on board.
Israel declared the mission a violation of its maritime blockade and prevented the ship from reaching Gaza. The occupying navy then redirected the vessel to the Israeli-controlled port of Ashdod, located south of Israel. Israel dismissed the activists’ journey as “supportive propaganda,” stating that humanitarian aid would be delivered to Gaza through official channels.
Abduction of Activists Aboard the Madleen:
The activists aboard the Madleen were determined to carry their mission through to the very end. French-Palestinian Member of the European Parliament, Rima Hassan, told AFP as she boarded the ship, “We will remain alert until the very last moment, until Israel shuts down the internet and communication networks.” Despite their efforts, the activists were ultimately unsuccessful. Following the siege of the Madleen, Israeli forces abducted the activists on board and transferred them to Israeli-occupied territories for interrogation. This operation has drawn widespread international condemnation. Numerous countries have denounced it as a violation of international law and labelled it an act of maritime piracy. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition also condemned the operation as an “abduction” and called for global denunciation. The incident has further strengthened international demands for the establishment of a safe humanitarian corridor to the Gaza Strip.
Abduction of Peace Activists and Global Reaction:
The Israeli operation against the Madleen aid ship triggered a strong and diverse international reaction. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the incident as “deeply concerning” and called on all parties to reduce tensions and allow unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The European Union expressed serious reservations about the Israeli action, emphasizing that obstructing peaceful humanitarian missions violates international law. Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch condemned the operation as illegal and unethical, highlighting the risks posed to the lives and safety of aid workers. Turkey has strongly condemned the Israeli operation, labelling it an act of “international maritime piracy.” Spain, home to several volunteers involved in the mission, also issued a harsh condemnation and assured the protection of its citizens. Iran described the incident as a clear example of Israeli aggression and called on the international community to increase pressure on Israel.
Widespread Media Coverage and Global Solidarity:
The incident received extensive coverage in international media, bringing to light the dire situation of Palestinians and the severity of the Israeli blockade. Prominent global figures, including political leaders, artists and human rights activists, condemned the operation on social media and public forums, voicing their support for Palestinian self-determination and humanitarian aid. This event is expected to strengthen calls worldwide for the establishment of a safe and unobstructed humanitarian corridor to Gaza. Protests against Israel are likely to expand with renewed vigour and determination following this incident.
Heartfelt Thanks to All Volunteers Aboard Madleen:
We extend our deepest gratitude and heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers aboard the Madleen. They risked their lives to raise a powerful voice of human compassion and justice for the besieged and oppressed people of the Gaza Strip. Beyond their personal courage, they sent a strong and hopeful message against tyranny and oppression. Their bravery, determination and sacrifice have ignited a beacon of hope in the hearts of the oppressed people worldwide, proving that peaceful protest in defense of human rights and justice is a mighty weapon. This mission stands as a symbol of love, solidarity and justice, reminding us all that raising one’s voice against injustice is a moral and humanitarian duty for every person. At a time when the Palestinian people face severe siege and hardship, these courageous efforts provide not only support to the Palestinians; but also awaken the global conscience. These volunteers deserve the gratitude of all free people around the world. We salute their courage, resilience and humanity.
International Community Must Deliver Justice to the Palestinians:
The Israeli assault on the Madleen is not only a blatant violation of international law; but also yet another grave example of the ongoing oppression against the Palestinian people. Israel’s blockade of Gaza has deprived millions of access to basic necessities, forcing innocent men, women and children to endure dire and inhumane conditions on a daily basis. Such injustice unfolding before the eyes of the global community is a tragic reality, one that continues to erode the Palestinians’ fundamental human dignity and freedom. It is imperative that the international community opens its eyes and ensures justice for the people of Palestine. By obstructing peaceful humanitarian missions like the Freedom Flotilla, Israel has demonstrated not only its disregard for Palestinian life and safety; but also its contempt for the principles of global justice and humanity. At least now, the people around the world should stand with Palestine, supporting their right to self-determination and demanding the protection of their human rights. Concrete steps must be taken to halt Israel’s oppression and brutality, and to establish peace, freedom and justice in Palestine.
Khursheed Alam Dawood Qasmi is an alumnus of Darul Uloom Deoband (the most influential Islamic seminary in South Asia) and teaches at Moon Rays Trust School, Zambia. He can be reached at qasmikhursheed@yahoo.co.in
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of Millat Times.
