The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance to Mark van Rennes, the Dutch captain of the activist ship Madleen. The ship, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and carrying emergency aid, was intercepted by Israel en route to Gaza.

The ministry has contacted Van Rennes and requested information from Israel regarding the situation. The Dutch government has urged Israel to avoid using violence against the ship and its crew.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition alleges that the crew members have been “kidnapped” and is calling for international pressure to ensure their safety.

The French government has requested that Israel allow the six French nationals on board, including MEP Rima Hassan and journalist Omar Faiad, to return home as soon as possible.

Amnesty International has condemned Israel’s actions, with Secretary-General Agnes Callamard stating that the interception violates international law. Callamard argues that Israel, as an occupying power, is obligated to ensure adequate food and medicine for Gazan citizens and should have permitted the Madleen to deliver humanitarian aid.

Turkey and Iran have also accused Israel of violating international law. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the interception as a “horrific attack” and accused Israel of behaving like a terrorist state.

According to the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ship has been taken to the coast of Israel and the occupants, including Greta Thunberg, will be returned to their home countries. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition claims that Israeli soldiers boarded the ship and that communication has been lost. They also allege that drones sprayed the ship with a “white irritating liquid,” which Israel has not addressed.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the army to show the twelve crew members a video of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack upon their arrival in Ashdod, accusing them of supporting Hamas.