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June 09, 2025 – France/Palestine/Israel –
Two French journalists—Yanis Mhamdi (Blast) and Omar Faiad (Al Jazeera)—were detained by the Israeli military on June 9 during the interception of the Gaza-bound aid vessel Madleen, prompting swift international outcry from press freedom groups.
The Madleen, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, left Sicily on June 1 carrying symbolic humanitarian aid and 12 passengers, including climate activist Greta Thunberg and French MEP Rima Hassan. Israel’s navy intercepted the ship in international waters—around 185 km from Gaza—and towed it to Ashdod. Military commandos boarded after deploying drones and “irritant” substances to disable communications.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) denounced the detention of Mhamdi and Faiad as a serious violation of international law and press freedom. RSF insists the journalists should be released immediately. Similarly, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called on Israel to “immediately and unconditionally release the humanitarian crew,” urging EU leaders and French authorities to pressure for their release.
Arab News further noted that RSF branded the boarding of a civilian vessel carrying journalists as illegal and a major breach of international standards. French MPs described the interception as “illegal,” demanding both the activists and journalists be released.
The context is a growing humanitarian crisis: Gaza remains under an intense blockade, with over 54,000 Palestinians killed and widespread famine risks after more than 11 weeks of siege. The Madleen carried basic aid—baby formula, rice, medical kits—intended more as a symbolic protest than a mass relief mission.
The international community is calling for the journalists’ release. Amnesty International and other human rights organizations condemned the operation, asserting it violated international maritime law. France has already summoned the Israeli ambassador, demanding consular access and the safe return of its citizens.
Reference –
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/10/israel-launches-deportation-of-gaza-bound-madleen-activists
CPJ calls on Israel to release 2 French journalists on the Madleen ship
