DiEM25 in the Netherlands is calling on the Dutch government to take immediate diplomatic action following the illegal interception of the ship Madleen by Israeli forces in international waters. Among those on board were 26-year-old Dutch citizen Mark van Rennes, climate activist Greta Thunberg, and ten other peace volunteers from France, Spain, Germany, Sweden, Turkey, and Brazil.
The Madleen, sailing under a British flag, was on a peaceful humanitarian mission to deliver baby formula, medical supplies, and other aid to the people of Gaza. Despite being in full compliance with international maritime law, the vessel was intercepted outside Israeli jurisdiction, and all twelve passengers were arrested and transferred to Israel.
“This is a gross violation of international law and a direct attack on humanitarian aid,” said DiEM25 in the Netherlands spokesperson Lucille Cornelius. “Mark van Rennes is a Dutch citizen engaged in a peaceful mission to alleviate suffering. The Dutch government has a constitutional and moral duty to ensure his protection.”
DiEM25 denounces the arrests as part of a broader pattern of aggression aimed at silencing nonviolent resistance and humanitarian solidarity with Gaza. With tens of thousands dead, infrastructure destroyed, and aid blocked, the situation in Gaza constitutes a humanitarian catastrophe.
DiEM25 calls on the Dutch government to:
- Issue an immediate and unequivocal condemnation of the Israeli interception
- Apply diplomatic pressure for the immediate release of Mark van Rennes and the other detainees
- Publicly reaffirm the Netherlands’ commitment to international law, including the right to peaceful humanitarian missions
- Urge the European Union to defend its citizens against arbitrary detentions in international waters
“If states are allowed to detain peaceful civilians in international waters without consequences, the very foundations of international law are at stake,” Cornelius warned. “This is not just about twelve people – it’s about the future of lawful international conduct.”
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