Dear Susan,

Moments ago, quad-copter drones dropped unidentified chemicals on the Madleen. Immediately after, our peaceful volunteers were rammed and intercepted before Israeli forces boarded the vessel. We lost all contact with them seconds later.

Tragically, the Israeli military has again attacked a boat from our peaceful Freedom Flotilla heading to Gaza, tracked here. These courageous individuals sailed in the spirit of nonviolence, carrying hope, solidarity, and essential supplies, not anything threatening, toward a besieged population facing systemic starvation, unimaginable hardship, ethnic cleansing, and genocide.

Their mission was simple: to break the illegal and immoral blockade imposed on over two million people trapped in Gaza, half of whom are children. Instead of welcoming or simply allowing this act of conscience, the Israeli state has once again responded with force and repression.

Nonviolence International stands in full solidarity with the flotilla participants and the Palestinian people of Gaza. We condemn this violent interception in the strongest possible terms and call on the international community to demand the immediate release of all those detained and to finally hold Israel accountable for its ongoing violations of international law.

Let us be clear: the blockade on Gaza is not only a political failure, it is a moral catastrophe; it did not start after October 7, 2023, but sixteen years before that. It has turned Gaza into an open-air prison, cutting its people off from medical care, clean water, food, and freedom. Those who dare to defy this blockade with love and courage should be celebrated, not silenced, criminalized, or disappeared.

This moment is not just about a boat. It is about the world’s conscience.

We ask you to take action now:

• • Share this statement widely.
  • Contact your elected officials and urge them to speak out.
  • Support ongoing nonviolent efforts to break the siege such as protests and sit-ins. 
  • Join the Global Fast Movement today.

• Donate to the ongoing freedom flotilla efforts.
• Stand with Gaza. Stand with dignity. Stand with peace.

We will keep updating you as the situation unfolds. Let us all keep an eye on any update coming straight from the Flotilla here.

In peace and solidarity,
Sami Awad, Co-Director

Nonviolence International
https://www.nonviolenceinternational.net/