Questioned about the criticism from the party led by Mariana Mortágua, one of the Portuguese detainees aboard the flotilla, Paulo Rangel stated in an interview with Now channel that the communication from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the bloc members has been ongoing since the beginning of the journey and continued on Wednesday, the day of the Israeli forces’ action, and today.
“I myself spoke with another high-ranking official today. I only need to disclose this because it is being said that we haven’t spoken,” he emphasized, without specifying the identities of these officials.
In the same interview, Paulo Rangel added that he has yet to receive “qualified information” on whether Israel’s interception of the flotilla occurred in international waters, but admitted he would condemn Israel should this be confirmed.
“If it happened in international waters, it is clearly a violation and will warrant our censure,” he noted.
The Portuguese chief diplomat also insisted that the detention of the four Portuguese aboard the flotilla is illegal and that the government will provide all necessary assistance.
Rangel added that it is “highly likely” that Portugal’s ambassador and consul in Tel Aviv will meet with the four detainees on Friday, ensuring they are already accredited to visit the center where the Portuguese are expected to be held, following their transfer from the Israeli port.
Regarding the detainees’ return to Portugal, the minister mentioned that the most recent information gathered by the government indicates that the Portuguese could opt for voluntary deportation, which would make their departure from Israel “very quick,” possibly even over the weekend.
“Or they can, and it is within their rights, choose a release with a court order and meet with a judge, which might take more time,” he highlighted.
Paulo Rangel warned that this process could be delayed due to the high number of detentions from the flotilla and the upcoming religious holidays in Israel next week.
Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, consisting of about 50 vessels, heading to the Gaza Strip to deliver humanitarian aid, between Wednesday night and this morning, detaining the participants, including four Portuguese citizens: the leader of the Left Bloc, Mariana Mortágua, actress Sofia Aparício, and activists Miguel Duarte and Diogo Chaves.
