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

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

Sources close to the organization 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 that occurred a few days ago near Greece. As she detailed, on that occasion 22 boats were intercepted, while the rest continued their journey. Subsequently, more boats joined the initiative until it exceeded fifty.

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 consider that the international community, European governments, and the Spanish state "cannot continue looking the other way" in the face of Israel's actions, which they accuse of blocking the entry of food and medicine into Gaza.

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

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