MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The unacceptable seizure of the sailing boat ‘Madleen’ by the murderous state of Israel – E-002351/2025

Question for written answer  E-002351/2025
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 144
Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos (NI)

The sailing boat ‘Madleen’, which was heading towards the Gaza Strip carrying symbolic humanitarian aid, was seized by the Israeli army in international waters and the 12 people on board – including MEP Rima Hassan – were arrested.

The EU, the US, NATO – and the Greek Government – bear heavy responsibilities. By continuing political, military and economic cooperation with the state of Israel while regurgitating Israeli pretexts about the ‘right to self-defence’ and the ‘proportionate use of force’, they are facilitating the occupying state of Israel to continue its genocide in Gaza.

In view of the above:

• 1.What is the position of the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the fact that the EU’s stance encourages the occupying state of Israel in, inter alia, the unacceptable and reprehensible seizure of the vessel ‘Madleen’ in international waters by the Israeli army and the illegal arrest and deportation of passengers?
• 2.What is the position of the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the demand of the peoples of the EU for the immediate suspension and annulment of the EU-Israel Association Agreement?
• 3.What is the position of the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the need to stop forthwith the massacre by Israel against the Palestinian people, end military operations in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank immediately, open all crossings and allow the necessary humanitarian aid to reach the Gaza Strip, boost EU funds directed to the Palestinian people and strengthen UNRWA, which is the competent and internationally recognised agency for assisting Palestinian refugees?

Submitted: 11.6.2025