I urge you to take immediate action to demand the release of the crew of the Madleen—a UK-flagged civilian ship en route to Gaza—and to ensure Israel allows it to complete its urgent humanitarian mission. Under U.S. and international law, the U.S. is not only morally but legally obligated to act.
As a UK-flagged vessel, Madleen is under British jurisdiction. Any Israeli interference constitutes a violation of international maritime law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which recognizes the right of free navigation and prohibits unauthorized seizure on the high seas. Such interference would be an act of aggression against a third-party state and a serious breach of international law.
Israel’s blockade of Gaza is widely condemned by legal experts and humanitarian organizations as unlawful. The International Committee of the Red Cross has stated that it constitutes collective punishment—a war crime under the Fourth Geneva Convention. In January 2024, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid, recognizing a plausible case of genocide. The Madleen’s mission directly supports that obligation.
The U.S. is bound by multiple legal frameworks:
• Genocide Convention: Ratified and incorporated into U.S. law, it obliges the U.S. to prevent and not be complicit in genocide. Standing by while Israel blocks aid or detains those delivering it risks U.S. complicity.
• Geneva Conventions: The U.S. must “ensure respect” for international humanitarian law. That includes defending humanitarian efforts like the Madleen from interference.
• U.S. Law: The Foreign Assistance Act (22 U.S.C. §2304) and Arms Export Control Act prohibit military aid to countries committing gross human rights violations—including obstruction of aid. The War Crimes Act (18 U.S.C. §2441) criminalizes aiding such violations.
• State Responsibility: Under international law, the U.S. may not aid or assist another state in committing internationally wrongful acts, including war crimes or genocide.
The Madleen is acting where governments have failed—delivering lifesaving aid in a time of mass starvation and destruction. Allowing Israel to intercept or detain it violates international law and makes those who remain silent complicit.
I call on you to:
1. Demand Israel release the Madleen’s crew and allow the ship safe passage.
2. Reject the legality of Israel’s blockade and recognize it as a violation of international law.
3. Support H.R. 3565 to limit U.S. military aid to Israel.
4. Support international enforcement of the ICJ’s orders and the Genocide Convention.
Upholding the rule of law is not optional—it is your duty. The U.S. cannot continue to aid or excuse atrocities while claiming to stand for human rights.
First sent on June 9 by BlueCollarJew
