Spain has lodged a strong protest with Israel regarding the detention of Spanish citizen Sergio Toribio, following the Israeli army’s interception of the “Freedom Flotilla” ship in international waters. The flotilla aimed to break the Gaza blockade and deliver food. This action by Israel has immediately triggered diplomatic reactions in Madrid.
Spain’s Foreign Ministry Summons Israel’s Chargé d’Affaires
In a direct response to the events, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately summoned the Chargé d’Affaires of the Israeli Embassy in Spain to convey Madrid’s firm protest. The Israeli diplomatic representation in Spain is currently led by Chargé d’Affaires Dan Poraz, after the ambassador’s withdrawal. This diplomatic step underscores the seriousness with which Spain views the detention of its citizen in international waters.
Interception of the “Madleen”: Arrests and Transfer to Ashdod
In the early hours of Monday morning, the Israeli army intercepted the “Madleen” vessel, which was carrying, among others, Sergio Toribio and renowned activist Greta Thunberg. All individuals on board were arrested and taken to the port of Ashdod, as confirmed by the Israeli Embassy. The “Freedom Flotilla” had previously reported an “abduction” of the crew in international waters on social media, “approximately 120 nautical miles from the Rafah headland,” and called for international pressure on their respective foreign ministries.
The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by José Manuel Albares, is already in close contact with Sergio Toribio and his family. Contact has also been established with the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure consular protection for the Spanish citizen.
Israel’s Perspective: A “Show” and the Question of Deportation
The Israeli Embassy in Spain commented on the events, stating: “All passengers of the ‘Selfie Yacht’ are well. They received sandwiches and water. The show is over.” They added that those arrested would likely be taken to prison and then deported. This narrative contrasts with the flotilla’s claims of an abduction in international waters.
Imminent Deportation and the Role of Humanitarian Activists
Sandra Barilaro, spokeswoman for the Flotilla organization in Spain, told EL PERIÓDICO that the crews of the “Freedom Flotilla” ship would likely be taken to prison and subsequently deported. She emphasized that in similar past cases, activists were asked to sign a voluntary deportation, which they refused, as they considered the entry into Israel coerced and did not recognize the detention in international waters as a legal entry. The activists claim to have informed the consular emergency services of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the incident. In previous arrests, the Spanish Foreign Ministry immediately dispatched consuls or ambassadors to ensure the care of Spanish citizens.
Historical Context: Deadly Attack on Flotilla in 2010
The current dispute recalls the tragic incident in 2010, when the Israeli army killed ten activists during an attack on a Freedom Flotilla ship. At that time, 633 people from 37 countries were on board, aiming to deliver 10,000 tons of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and break the Israeli blockade of the Palestinian territory.
Israel’s Criticism of the “Selfie Yacht” and Humanitarian Aid
The Israeli government publicly criticized the current flotilla mission, particularly due to the presence of Greta Thunberg. The Israeli Foreign Ministry described the ship as a “Selfie boat” and a “media trick” that constituted merely a “media provocation” and carried less aid than a delivery van. In contrast, Israel stated that in the past two weeks, it had facilitated the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza through two parallel channels, with 1,200 aid trucks entering Gaza, and the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation had distributed almost 11 million meals directly to civilians in Gaza. Tel Aviv emphasized that “there are legitimate ways to bring aid to Gaza,” and there was no need for “Instagram selfies or breaking the legal naval blockades established against Hamas.”
The Humanitarian Situation in the Gaza Strip: UN Warnings and Israel’s Role
Meanwhile, the United Nations reports that thousands of children are malnourished and the entire population of the Gaza Strip is suffering from hunger. This is a direct consequence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s order to prevent the entry of water, food, and medicine, after Israel unilaterally broke the ceasefire on March 18. Since then, Israel has established a militarized food distribution system, where the Israeli army has shot more than a hundred people in the chaos caused by this new distribution system, according to Gaza authorities and verified videos from international media. Israel claims the shots were fired by Hamas members. Since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, which killed 1,139 people and abducted 250 others, Israel has launched an offensive against the Gaza Strip, killing at least 50,000 people, mostly women and children.
