Freedom Flotilla. As the Palestinian people continue to suffer an unprecedented genocide and humanitarian catastrophe; while on May 18, a new UN report on human rights violations perpetrated by Israel in occupied Palestine points out “les atrocités“Daily actions committed by Israel since October 2023, international solidarity actions have been repressed even in international waters.
Since the start of the genocide in Gaza, the freedom flotillas which attempt to break the illegal blockade imposed by Israel on the Palestinian people have been boarded by Israel completely illegally even in international waters. This May 19, 2026, around 2:00 p.m., one of the boats of the last freedom flotilla, the Mi’ar Peluxo, was intercepted completely illegally by the Israeli army while it was in international waters. On board was Meriem, a rebellious activist kidnapped by the genocidal army.
She is reportedly being held at this very moment in Israeli jails, deprived of care and any recourse. His last message was addressed to his classmates Edward Said and Hind Rajab of theInstitut La Boétie. La France insoumise calls for the immediate release of members of the flotilla illegally detained by the Israeli army and for respect for their fundamental rights.Our article.
Meriem, rebellious activist, currently detained by the Israeli army
Meriem, a rebellious activist, left Marseille on April 4 with the stated desire to break the blockade imposed on the Palestinian people. She had already taken part in theGlobal March to Gaza last June, demonstrating a constant commitment to international solidarity with Palestine.
To go further : Testimony of the Global March to Gaza – The story of the repression by an LFI activist present on site
His last message was shared with his classmates Edward Said and Hind Rajab from theInstitut La Boétierebellious foundation for intellectual development and popular education. In this video sent before cutting off contact, she once again demonstrated her determination and commitment to this solidarity mission towards Gaza.
Peaceful activists illegally arrested are now deprived of care and any means of recourse
Since this arrest, relatives and supporters of the crew members have had no direct news of the intercepted activists. According to information provided by the French consulate in Israel, those arrested are currently being held on a prison ship at the port of Ashdod. The consulate also indicated that “Usually, Israeli authorities do not allow nationals to have access to their personal belongings, including their medications ”.
This situation gives rise to deep concern regarding the state of health of several activists in need of medical treatment, and who are currently deprived of it. Such deprivation constitutes a serious violation of the right to health and the fundamental rights of detained persons.
According to the information communicated, the activists would now have two possibilities: either sign a document recognizing an alleged illegal entry into Israeli territory while their kidnapping took place in international waters in order to be expelled immediately to their countries of origin, or refuse to sign this document, and be transferred to detention. In this case, the activists should be transferred to Ketziot prison. Only then could they finally have access to a doctor and a lawyer.
These women and men were participating in a civil and humanitarian action intended to denounce the blockade of Gaza and to express concrete solidarity with the Palestinian people. Their arrest in international waters constitutes a serious violation of international law and a new attempt to intimidate solidarity movements with Palestine.
While peaceful activists are arrested and deprived of their fundamental rights, the Palestinian population continues to suffer bombings, massive destruction and humanitarian catastrophe in the guilty silence of the international community, Emmanuel Macron at the head.
Insoumise France demands the immediate release of the members of the flotilla kidnapped by Israel!
La France insoumise calls on Emmanuel Macron and the government to stop their complicit passivity, and to intervene immediately in order to guarantee the consular protection of detained French nationals, respect for their fundamental rights as well as immediate access to care and effective legal assistance.
The silence and inaction of a large part of Western governments in the face of these illegal arrests contribute to trivializing the repression of peace activists.
La France insoumise calls for the immediate release of the crews of the freedom flotilla. Solidarity with Palestine is not a crime.
