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French President Emmanuel Macron has called on Israel to allow the return of six French citizens who were on board the humanitarian ship Madleen, detained by the Israeli military off the coast of Gaza, as soon as possible. This was announced by the Elysee Palace, BFMTV reports.
“The President of the Republic has requested that six of our citizens be allowed to return to France as soon as possible,” the official statement said.
Among the detainees is far-left MEP Rimma Assan. The French Foreign Ministry has already appealed to Israel to provide consular access to the citizens.
“Immediately after the detention, we requested consular protection for our compatriots to check on their condition and ensure their speedy return home,” said French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.
The sailing vessel Madleen, chartered by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla coalition, left Italy on 1 June with the intention of breaking the Israeli blockade of Gaza. Despite warnings, activists from France, Sweden, Turkey, Germany and other countries approached the Palestinian coast and were intercepted by Israel.
The Israeli authorities have announced that all 12 passengers of the humanitarian mission will be deported to their countries of origin. They are currently in the port of Ashdod.
