Magga Stína.
Photo/Courtesy
The family of Margrét Kristín Blöndal, better known as Magga Stína, is urging the Icelandic government to do everything in its power to secure her immediate release, along with the rest of the crew of the so-called Freedom Flotilla.
Magga Stína was among those on board the ship The Conscience, one of nine vessels in the flotilla heading toward Gaza with humanitarian aid, when they were seized by Israeli forces on the high seas last night.
Lawful humanitarian mission
In a public appeal, the family says that nearly one hundred health workers, journalists, and peace activists were aboard The Conscience on a completely lawful humanitarian mission to deliver aid and medical personnel to the suffering and starving population of Gaza.
The cargo reportedly included essential supplies—medicine, medical equipment, and food aid valued at about 13 million ISK—which, according to the statement, have been systematically blocked from reaching Gaza by Israeli authorities.
Concerned about the situation
“Our family and Magga Stína’s friends are deeply concerned about the situation—especially considering the treatment she is likely to face at the hands of the Israeli military.
We urge the Icelandic government and the public to condemn Israel’s illegal detention of civilians and to demand that all volunteers be released immediately,” the family said.
The statement further claims that the Israeli government poses no threat from the Freedom Flotilla vessels but has nevertheless previously seized similar ships by force and intimidation, detaining crew members and destroying their humanitarian cargo.
“They have been mistreated, denied food, water, and sleep, and deprived of necessary medication. Their human rights have been completely disregarded—just as Israel has long ignored the human rights of the Palestinian people since the beginning of its occupation and acts of genocide in Palestine,” the appeal continues.
The statement is signed by Elsa María Blöndal, Salvör Gullbrá Þórarinsdóttir, and Sólveig Hauksdóttir—Magga Stína’s daughter, sister, and mother, respectively.