People gathered in Patras in solidarity with Palestinian people against abduction and arrest of the Madleen

Around 500 people gathered in Georgiou Square, Patras on Monday evening in solidarity with Palestinian people against the recent abduction and arrest of the Madleen ship’s crew by Israeli forces.

The protest marched throughout Patras town and held placards expressing solidarity with Gaza, stating, “A thorn in the imperialists’ plans, in Gaza the heart of all the people beats”.

The protest was part of a broader recognition of the Israeli navy’s interception of the Madleen, a vessel attempting to break the naval blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza Strip. The ship, carrying essential medical supplies, food, and water, was prevented from reaching the enclave and its crew members were detained by Israeli authorities.

The Madleen, that set sail from Catania, Sicily on June 1, was part of the “Freedom Flotilla,“, grassroots initiative that seeks to break the 17-year blockade of Gaza by sea and deliver humanitarian aid directly to Palestinians facing severe famine and medical aid scarcity.

The 12 activists on board includes climate activist Greta Thunberg from Sweden, who posted a video before the activists’ detaining stating that they had been “kidnapped” by Israeli forces.

Other activists included international volunteers, medics, and civil society representatives from Germany, France, Brazil, Turkey, Spain and the Netherlands.

Israel has described the ‘Freedom Flotilla’ as a ‘selfie yacht’ and names the mission a publicity stunt, stating the activists will be deported back to their respective countries. According to Israel’s foreign ministry, the activists on board are “currently undergoing medical examinations to ensure they are in good health”.

Source: greek city times–Gabriella Accaria