The Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations Network (PNGO) condemns the act of piracy committed by the Israeli occupation forces against the solidarity boat “Madelin” in the international waters of the Gaza Strip in the early hours of dawn today.

PNGO expresses deep concern for the safety of the twelve international solidarity activists who were on board the boat and were arrested by the occupation army during its assault.

It emphasizes that the occupation’s acts of piracy and aggression against the boat constitute a crime and a blatant violation of all international conventions and treaties.

It also affirms that the activists were on a humanitarian mission aimed at breaking the unjust Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip, which is subjected to genocidal crimes - including killing, destruction, displacement, starvation, thirst, disease, and the deprivation of life’s basic necessities.

PNGO calls on the international community to pressure the occupation to immediately release the activists and ensure their safety, as well as to release the boat and the humanitarian aid it was carrying, ensuring its delivery to Gaza. It also demands accountability for the occupation’s crimes.

PNGO salutes the activists and their efforts in defense of humanity and human rights, stressing that despite the suffering and pain of our people, their message has been received with great appreciation by all sectors of our people in the Gaza Strip.