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Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned the Israeli chargé d'affaires in Madrid following the interception of the "Freedom Flotilla" by Israeli forces. The vessel was carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza along with 12 human rights activists, including one Spanish national.
The ministry announced that it had called in the highest-ranking Israeli diplomat currently stationed at the embassy in Madrid to formally condemn the military operation that stopped the 18-meter sailing boat, Madleen.
According to sources from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs speaking to Spain's official news agency EFE, the Israeli diplomat was summoned to express official protest and condemnation of the action taken against the vessel.
The ministry also confirmed that it remains in contact with the Spanish activist on board and their family and is maintaining communication with the Israeli government.
This is not the first time Israel's diplomat has been summoned. On May 21, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs had previously summoned the Israeli chargé d'affaires to protest after the Israeli military opened fire near a delegation of foreign diplomats visiting the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank.
Following Spain’s official recognition of the State of Palestine in May 2024, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recalled the Israeli ambassador from Madrid.
The "Freedom Flotilla Coalition," a civil society initiative, organized the voyage intending to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to the region. The 18-meter sailing vessel Madleen departed from the Port of San Giovanni Li Cuti in Catania, Italy, on June 1.
The activists aboard had announced beforehand that they would maintain a peaceful stance and offer no resistance in the event of intervention by the Israeli military.
Nevertheless, Israeli forces intercepted the Madleen as it approached Gaza.
Those aboard the vessel included:
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