An international flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, which included three Portuguese nationals, among them BE coordinator Mariana Mortágua, was intercepted today by the Israeli Navy.
“The President of the Republic confirmed with the Government that all consular support for the detained compatriots will be ensured through our Embassy in Tel Aviv, as is customary, especially when it involves sovereign office holders, and full support will be provided for their return to Portugal,” reads a statement from the Presidency of the Republic.
The other two Portuguese aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla are activist Miguel Duarte and actress Sofia Aparício.
Meanwhile, a video was released by BE coordinator before the boat’s interception, in which Mariana Mortágua calls on the Portuguese people to mobilize and pressure the Government to take action.
“Very likely, if you are seeing this video, it is because I have been taken against my will to detention by Israeli forces, acting against international law. If that is the case, I request that you contact the Portuguese Government to make all efforts to secure the release not only of myself, Sofia Aparício, and Miguel Duarte, the Portuguese delegation but all participants of this mission,” said Mariana Mortágua.
The flotilla, consisting of around 50 vessels, one of which under a Portuguese flag, departed from Spain with the aim of breaking the Israeli blockade and delivering supplies to the Gaza Strip. The Israeli Government claimed the initiative was supported by the Palestinian extremist group Hamas.
[News updated at 21:25]
