Rights group RSF condemns kidnapping of three journalists on Gaza aid vessel

Detained Journalists on Gaza-bound Flotilla

Three journalists from different countries have been detained by Israel while traveling on a Gaza-bound flotilla in international waters. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned the incident, stating that Israel intercepted the vessel and “kidnapped” the journalists.

The journalists, Hafed Mribah of Al Jazeera, Mahmut Yavuz of Al Jazeera, and Alex Colston of Zeteo, were on board the Global Sumud Flotilla when it was intercepted by Israeli forces. RSF has called for Israel to take responsibility for their safety.

Al Jazeera has expressed concern for the well-being of its journalists and has stated that it holds Israel fully responsible for their safety. The organization has also reaffirmed its commitment to press freedom and called for the protection of all journalists.

According to organizers, 22 out of 58 vessels bound for Gaza were intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters off Greece’s Peloponnese Peninsula. A total of 211 people were detained, with Israel planning to transport them to Greece.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has accused Israel of violating international law and has urged the European Union to freeze bilateral ties following a previous incident involving an aid flotilla in October. The Committee to Protect Journalists has reported on systemic abuse of journalists by Israeli authorities, including torture and denial of basic rights while in detention.

The detained activists have also alleged physical and mental abuse during their detention, which Israel has denied as “fake news”.

Source: Al Jazeera