Ahlulbait Indonesia (ABI) Condemns Israeli Military Attack on Humanitarian Vessel, Urges International Response

The Madleen, which departed from Catania, Italy, was carrying urgent humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza, including infant formula, medical supplies, and other essential goods. Civilian volunteers from various countries accompanied the vessel. One of the volunteers, Yasemin Acar, a German citizen, was reportedly detained by Israeli authorities without any clear legal justification.

“This is not only an inhumane act, but also a blatant affront to international law,” said Zahir Yahya in the statement. He cited violations of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 1949 Geneva Conventions, as well as fundamental human rights principles designed to safeguard civilian humanitarian missions from military interference.

Call to the Government and International Community

The statement, signed by the ABI Chairman, outlined five key points:

1. A firm condemnation of the Israeli military’s unilateral actions, which are deemed to contravene international law.

2. A demand for the immediate release of all detained civilian volunteers, including Yasemin Acar.

3. A call for the Indonesian government to issue a formal diplomatic protest, seek clarification through diplomatic channels, and support an independent international investigation.

4. An appeal to the Indonesian public to demonstrate solidarity and to advocate for unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza.

5. A demand for the United Nations and international human rights institutions to ensure that violence against civilian missions is not repeated and that international legal norms are upheld.

ABI further warned that this incident must not be allowed to pass without accountability. “Those who devote their lives to saving others should never be treated as threats,” added Ustadz Zahir Yahya.

Broader Context

This incident occurs amid escalating regional tensions and increasingly restricted access to humanitarian aid in Gaza, a territory long subjected to blockade and enduring a humanitarian crisis. ABI’s statement echoes growing global concern over the safety of civilian volunteers and the future of humanitarian missions in conflict zones.