The NGO representing many activists detained on a Gaza-bound aid boat intercepted by Israeli forces has disclosed that two campaigners have been placed in solitary confinement within Israel.
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“The Israeli authorities have moved two of the volunteers, Brazilian activist Thiago Avila and French-Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan, to separate prison facilities, isolating them from the group,” stated the Israeli human rights organization Adalah.
When approached for a comment, Israel’s prison authority directed inquiries to the foreign ministry, which noted they were investigating the situation.
The activists aimed to shed light on Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid reaching Gaza.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition announced on Instagram that Mr. Avila is “in the midst of his third day of a hunger and water strike, protesting against Israel’s persistent impunity.”
Additionally, the coalition accused Israel of treating the activists as hostages.
In a contrasting viewpoint, France’s Prime Minister François Bayrou expressed discontent, stating that the French activists were “capitalizing” on the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict for political gain.
Ms. Hassan, a member of the France Unbowed (LFI) party, is one of four French activists still being held in Israel.
Israeli forces intercepted the Madleen and its twelve crew members in international waters off the coast of the beleaguered Palestinian territory on Monday. Four additional individuals who are not French were also taken into custody.
The remaining four activists, which include two French nationals and Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, opted for immediate deportation after being barred from entering Israel for the next century.
LFI parliamentary leader Mathilde Panot has criticized the Prime Minister for his lack of condemnation regarding Israel’s actions.
Following her deportation, activist Greta Thunberg addressed the media in Sweden.
Responding to concerns, Mr. Bayrou noted, “These activists have achieved the attention they sought; however, it’s a form of manipulation that we should reject.” He stressed that “diplomatic action and collaborative efforts to unite multiple states in pressing the Israeli government is the only viable path to resolve the conflict.”
France and Saudi Arabia are set to co-host a UN meeting in New York later this month, aimed at discussing the recognition of a Palestinian state and exploring pathways to a so-called two-state solution.
During a recent parliamentary session, France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized that the immediate priorities for Gaza should be “an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and the provision of unhindered, extensive humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of civilians.” He added, “The actions of Ms. Rima Hassan, exploiting the plight of Gazans, do nothing to advance these critical goals.” He confirmed that the French consul has visited all four detained French activists.
Meanwhile, the Israeli ambassador in Paris indicated that the objective is to arrange for the activists to be flown home “as soon as possible.” As the situation unfolds, Israel faces growing pressure to facilitate greater humanitarian aid access to Gaza, where the United Nations warns that the entire population is at risk of famine.
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Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
