The Hind Rajab Foundation strongly calls on the United Kingdom to fulfil its legal responsibilities and immediately intervene to secure the unconditional release of the abducted activists who remain unlawfully detained in Israel. Their freedom is a matter of urgent humanitarian and legal concern.
Criminal Complaint Filed Under UK and International Law
The complaint, filed under the Geneva Conventions Act 1957, the International Criminal Court Act 2001, and Section 134 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (on torture), accuses Israeli forces of grave breaches of international humanitarian law, war crimes, and violations of UK jurisdiction.
Key allegations include:
- The unlawful use of chemical irritants from drones;
- Forcible detention and incommunicado confinement of 12 unarmed civilians;
- Denial of legal and consular access;
- Confiscation of humanitarian aid and personal belongings;
- Degrading and inhuman treatment.
Among the passengers were high-profile activists and humanitarians, including Greta Thunberg and MEP Rima Hassan. Eyewitnesses report that passengers were physically assaulted, exposed to choking white substances sprayed from drones, and denied communication with the outside world.
Parallels to the 2010 Mavi Marmara Incident
The filing draws clear legal parallels to the 2010 Mavi Marmara raid, referencing the UN Human Rights Council report (A/HRC/15/21) that found Israel’s conduct during that operation unlawful. The same legal framework applies to the Madleen: unlawful military action in international waters, against a civilian ship conducting humanitarian operations, resulting in arbitrary detention, confiscation of property, and interference with humanitarian relief.
Violation of Binding ICJ Orders and Maritime Law
The complaint underscores that the Madleen was operating in compliance with three binding International Court of Justice orders (January, March and May 2024) requiring unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza. Israel’s blockade enforcement against the ship violates:
- Article 23 of the Fourth Geneva Convention;
- Rules 55 and 56 of the ICRC Customary IHL;
- Article 92 of UNCLOS on exclusive flag state jurisdiction;
- And peremptory norms (jus cogens) of international law.
Legal Basis for UK Jurisdiction
As a UK-flagged vessel, the Madleen is under British criminal jurisdiction even outside territorial waters. Crimes committed aboard the vessel are deemed to have occurred on British territory. The UK has an international legal obligation to investigate grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions, torture, and war crimes, particularly when they occur within its legal jurisdiction.
Hind Rajab Foundation’s Call for Action
The Foundation has requested that UK authorities:
- Open a criminal investigation against the Israeli naval and political officials responsible;
- Interview and collect testimony from the Madleen passengers;
- Refer the case to the CPS for legal action and arrest warrants;
- Monitor suspects who may enter UK territory;
- Coordinate with Interpol, the ICC, and relevant UN Special Rapporteurs.
Next Steps
The Hind Rajab Foundation is currently compiling supporting documentation, including passenger testimonies, media coverage, video evidence, and expert legal analyses. These will be submitted to support the UK investigation.
This filing is part of the Foundation’s broader mission to end impunity for war crimes and uphold international law, especially in the context of the ongoing siege of Gaza. The Madleen case marks a watershed moment in holding perpetrators accountable for attacks on humanitarian missions.