Since March 2, Israeli authorities have imposed a total siege on Gaza— no aid or food has been allowed in, resulting in man-made hunger being used as a weapon of war.

The Madleen, part of the Freedom Flotilla, was carrying humanitarian aid and civilians en route to Gaza in accordance with international humanitarian principles and protected by international maritime law. 

We call on the UK government to:

• Publicly condemn Israel’s interception and detention of the Madleen volunteers and demand their immediate release.

• Fulfil the UK’s international obligations, including the duty to prevent genocide, and refrain from recognising or supporting acts that prevent the provision of food, medical supplies, shelter, and other essential supplies.

• Guarantee protection and medical support for all civilians aboard the Madleen, many of whom are human rights defenders and aid workers acting in pursuit of lawful humanitarian objectives.

Since October 2023, Doctors of the World has been a first-hand witness of mass killing and maiming of Palestinians, widespread forcible displacement, the engineered collapse of the health system, and the mass destruction by Israeli forces of homes, health facilities, schools, and other essential infrastructure necessary to sustain Palestinian life. Our humanitarian teams continue to provide critical medical care under life-threatening conditions.

Please join us.