Councillors support ‘Madleen’ Freedom Flotilla and ‘Global March to Gaza’

The seizure of  the ‘Madleen’  - an aid ship attempting to reach Gaza to deliver humanitarian supplies - by the Israeli forces has been condemned by the members of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Business and Culture committee.

The ship, which left the Sicilian port of Catania in southern Italy, on June 1, was carrying a group of international activists, including Sweden’s Greta Thunberg. 

On June 9, Israeli forces seized the vessel and detained the activists, enforcing a longstanding blockade of the Palestinian territory that has been tightened during the Israel-Hamas war.

The full text of the motion, proposed by Cllr Shaun Harkin (PBP) and seconded by Cllr Catherine McDaid (SDLP) read: “Council condemns the capture of the ‘Madleen’ Gaza Freedom Flotilla ship and arrest of the volunteers aboard seeking to break the siege and deliver desperately needed humanitarian aid.

“Council will write to British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris requesting they demand the Israeli regime immediately release and ensure the safety of all the crew volunteers, return the Madleen and make immediate delivery of the humanitarian aid brought by the Freedom Flotilla. 

“Council will send its solidarity to the 'March to Gaza' leaving from Cairo on June 15, 2025, and going to the Rafah border with volunteers from Derry, Ireland and across the world. The March is supported by the Derry IPSC, organisations across Ireland and internationally to demand an end to genocide, an end to the humanitarian aid siege and the implementation of full sanctions against Israel."

Speaking to his motion, Cllr Harkin said the crew of the ‘Madleen’ knew it was unlikely they would get in to Gaza to support people.

“They also knew whatever danger they face is nothing compared to what people are living through inside Gaza,” he added. 

“But, I think the way a lot of activists and the volunteers on the ‘Madleen’ looked at it, they had to find ways, and we have to find ways of doing whatever we can. We have marched. We have petitioned. We have passed motions. Now people are going directly to Gaza to try and support them. 

“The Israeli navy captured the ship and arrested all the volunteers. Some of those volunteers have been deported but seven of them, including a member of the European Parliament are still being held in an Israeli jail. 

“People are very worried about what's going to happen to them so I think it is incumbent upon us to make sure that we are raising this issue and talking about it.

“I think we want to call on the British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and the Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris to call upon the Israeli government to make sure that the safety of all the members of the crew is assured; to release all of the crew members immediately; and to allow the humanitarian aid that the ship was carrying into Gaza,” said Cllr Harkin.

Retiring principal leaving absolutely thriving school

Success: Award-winning St Brigid's College celebrating 50 years at heart of its community

Ulsterbus services set return to Derry's Foyle Street Bus Station later this month

Ulsterbus rural services and Foyle Metro 6a and 6b services will return to Foyle Street Bus Station

Cllr McDaid said the volunteers on the ‘Madleen’ have put their words into action. 

“They are getting on a ship and taking their lives in their hands essentially and sailing there. It we have learned anything it is that the Israeli government and the IDF have absolutely not a humane bone in their body,” she said.

“They do not care that they are murdering and killing innocent people in Palestine every day. They are now taking people from ships who are just trying to go and help.

“I know that Colum Eastwood as the MP for has already contacted the Foreign Secretary as well soI think we we all need to be pushing this out from every angle that we can.

“Regarding the second part of the motion, I know some of the people who are going to Cairo this week and they are going to be marching to the Rafah border. I wish I could do more but I'm not brave enough to do it. These people are brave enough to do it. They are taking their lives in their hands by going there and by taking this risk to do everything they can to support the people, and bring aid to innocent civilians that are being murdered every day.”