GREENS/EFA Co-Presidents call for the release of MEP Mélissa Camara

Greens/EFA MEP Mélissa Camara was arrested by Israeli forces early this morning. She was aboard the Thousand Madleens Flotilla ship carrying humanitarian aid destined for Gaza.This follows the interception last Wednesday of the Global Sumud Flotilla and the arrest and detention of Greens/EFA MEP Benedetta Scuderi.

Bas Eickhout, Greens/EFA Co-President, comments:

“We stand with our MEP Mélissa Camara and with all the volunteers of the Thousand Madleens Flotilla and call for her swift release. It is inadmissible that volunteers have risked their lives while the European Union only takes cautious steps to respond to the clear growing evidence that a genocide is being committed in Gaza, while the full annexation of the West Bank by Israel is on the horizon.

“The UN had stated that any attempt to block the flotilla would constitute a grave violation of international law. We demand immediate action in response to Israel´s illegal and forceful interception of the Thousand Madleens Flotilla  in international waters and detention of its peaceful volunteers, including a member of the European Parliament. The Flotilla carries nothing but humanitarian aid, to break the siege of Gaza and provide starving Palestinians with much needed supplies.”

Terry Reintke, Greens/EFA Co-President, comments:

“The EU needs to condemn this attack on peaceful activists and elected officials. The Israeli government will have to be held accountable. This interception shows a regrettable lack of respect of Israeli authorities for the European Parliament and the work of its elected officials.

We call for the immediate and unconditional release of MEP Mélissa Camara and for aid to be delivered to the civilian population in Gaza. ”