The UK Has a Legal Obligation to Protect The Freedom Flotilla

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Select a subject line: The UK Has an Obligation to Protect the Freedom Flotilla / Uphold International Law: Ensure Safe Passage for the Freedom Flotilla / Israel Threatens UK-flagged Ship: ACT NOW

Dear [Elected Official’s Name],

I am writing to call your attention to the Madleen (also known as the Freedom Flotilla), a UK-flagged civilian ship en route to Gaza, protected under international maritime law. Israeli officials have threatened to intercept the vessel; a concerning development after the crew’s previous ship was bombed off the coast of Malta several weeks ago.

As a vessel flying the British flag, it falls under the jurisdiction and responsibility of the UK government, which has a legal duty to defend ‘Madleen’ and the civilians on board, and to prevent unlawful interference-including any threat or use of force by foreign powers such as Israel. Any interference is considered a violation of international law and an infringement of that state’s sovereignty – a serious act of aggression. 

I call on you to ensure the UK government:

• Issues a clear public warning to Israel that any action against the ‘Madleen’ is unacceptable and unlawful.
• Acts to protect the rights and safety of those aboard its flagged vessel.
• Complies with its legal duties by rejecting the legitimacy of Israel’s blockade and actively supporting efforts to deliver humanitarian aid and uphold international law.

The UK also has binding obligations under international law to:

• Prevent genocide – a duty that extends to taking all measures within its power to stop the ongoing atrocities in Gaza. The civilians aboard the ‘Madleen’ are acting in furtherance of this obligation by seeking to break Israel’s illegal siege and deliver life-saving aid.
• Refrain from recognising or assisting an illegal situation – as reaffirmed by the International Court of Justice in July 2024. This includes the UK’s obligation not to recognise Israel’s unlawful blockade of Gaza or the broader system of domination and annexation in the occupied Palestinian territory.

Any attack or interference with the ‘Madleen’ would constitute a violation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), an affront to UK sovereignty, and a breach of international humanitarian law.

Uphold international law. It is a basic responsibility that all constituents expect of their representatives. 

Your constituent,

[Your Name]

[Your Address]