Flotilla intercepted en route to Gaza with Mallorcan Toni Riera on board

PalmThe Freedom Flotilla, sailing towards Gaza with the aim of breaking the blockade imposed by Israel and delivering urgent humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people, was intercepted this Monday, May 18th at 10 AM in international waters. On one of the vessels, the Cabo Blanco, travels the Mallorcan volunteer Toni Riera.

From within the organization, they have denounced that the intervention constitutes a "grave violation of international law" and a new episode "of aggression" against a civilian and peaceful mission that was transporting humanitarian aid and defending human rights in the face of the situation experienced by the population of Gaza.

One of the spokespersons for the initiative, Lucía Muñoz —also a councilwoman for Podem Palma—, has explained that this is the second attempt to stop the new flotilla after a first incident occurred a few days ago near Greece. As she detailed, on that occasion 22 boats were intercepted, while the rest continued their journey. Later, more boats joined the initiative until exceeding half a hundred.

Muñoz also highlighted that the interception this Monday occurred "in broad daylight", a fact that, according to her, had not happened in previous similar operations.

The organizers believe that the international community, European governments, and the Spanish State "cannot continue to look the other way" regarding Israel's actions, accusing it of blocking the entry of food and medicine to Gaza.

The flotilla's circle has demanded the immediate freedom of all intercepted individuals and guarantees for their safety. It has also called for the opening of a permanent humanitarian corridor and the suspension of commercial, military, institutional, sports, and cultural relations with Israel as long as the offensive on Gaza continues.

Furthermore, it has called for a rally this Monday, May 18, at 7 PM in front of the Government Delegation.