EDM 1424: Israel’s interception of the British-flagged Madleen boat

That this House expresses alarm at the Israeli military’s interception of the UK-flagged civilian vessel Madleen in international waters on 9 June 2025; notes that the vessel was engaged in a peaceful humanitarian mission to Gaza to help break the illegal siege and highlight Israel’s use of forced starvation against two million people in Gaza, which is a war crime; further notes that the Madleen was sailing in international waters when it was forcibly intercepted, and that the volunteers on board are protected under international law, making their detention unlawful; believes that as the Madleen is registered under the British flag this places specific responsibilities on the UK Government to safeguard the vessel and those aboard; further believes that Israel has no lawful basis to attack, intercept, or otherwise interfere with the Madleen or any peaceful civilian vessel sailing toward Palestinian waters, and that such interference constitutes a violation of international law; recalls Israel’s previous assault on the Mavi Marmara that led to the deaths of nine people and many injuries; also believes that Israel’s threats and attacks against humanitarian missions, like the Madleen, carrying essential aid and international human rights defenders, reflect a broader pattern of impunity and disregard for international norms; and calls on the UK Government to uphold its obligation to protect the Madleen and those on board, to secure their immediate release and to act decisively to uphold international law against Israeli’s repeated violations of it, including its forced starvation of the people of Gaza.