Four Belgian participants in Gaza flotilla released by Israel
Four Belgians from the Global Sumud Flotilla who were detained by Israel, have been released and are on their way back to Europe. That announced Belgian foreign minister Maxime Prévot via X on Monday.
The four were part of the flotilla that wanted to bring aid supplies to Gaza by sea, thereby breaking the Israeli blockade, but which was stopped last week by Israeli navy ships. There were a total of 43 ships, with a number of members of parliament and activist Greta Thunberg, amongst others, on board. The Israeli authorities detained more than 400 crew members, including four Belgians.
"I can inform you that, thanks to the work of the foreign affairs ministry, our four compatriots and the Luxembourg citizen from the Global Sumud fleet who were detained by Israel, are now free again. They are on their way to Europe, more specifically to Greece, and I would like to thank the Greek authorities for their cooperation,” minister Prévot said on Monday. “I am relieved that they can return safely to their families."
Belgian diplomats are staying in close contact with the families and the Luxembourg authorities to coordinate the return journey to Brussels. “In the meantime, we will continue to work tirelessly for the lifting of the humanitarian blockade around Gaza and for a rapid ceasefire, together with the release of all hostages,” the minister concluded.
In total, Israel has released 171 activists from the Gaza aid flotilla today. They are on their way to Greece and Slovakia. Greta Thunberg has also been released.
Boat of the Global Sumud Flotilla © Giovanni ISOLINO / AFP
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