Ramallah: The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) has condemned the recent Israeli interception of the Madleen ship in the Mediterranean Sea, labeling the act as organized piracy by the right-wing occupation government. The incident, which involved the detainment of all activists aboard the vessel, has sparked a strong reaction from the PLO.
According to Kuwait News Agency, PLO's Palestinian National Council Chairman Rawhi Fattouh issued a press statement on Monday, asserting that the interception of the Madleen and the prevention of aid delivery to Palestinians constitutes organized state terrorism and is a blatant violation of international law. Fattouh labeled this as an addition to the occupation's history of criminal acts.
Fattouh emphasized the dire humanitarian conditions resulting from the ongoing blockade, which he claims is causing significant harm to the population in the Gaza Strip. He highlighted the deaths of children and elderly individuals as a consequence of the blockade, which affects over two million people who have been confined in the area for many years.
In his statement, Fattouh urged global actors, including parliamentarians, intellectuals, activists, and humanitarian organizations, to engage in immediate and effective actions to dismantle the blockade on Gaza. He also called upon the international community, the United Nations, and human rights organizations to fulfill their duties by securing the release of those detained, supporting humanitarian efforts, and lifting the siege on the occupied Palestinian territories.