VP/HR — Freedom Flotilla III

5.10.2012

Question for written answer E-008961/2012
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 117
Raül Romeva i Rueda (Verts/ALE) , Nicole Kiil-Nielsen (Verts/ALE) , Margrete Auken (Verts/ALE) and Jill Evans (Verts/ALE)

The ship Estelle, which is part of Freedom Flotilla III, is sailing from La Spezia in the direction of Naples, its last stop before heading to Gaza. The Israeli news channel Arutz Sheva has reported that the Israeli Foreign Ministry has confirmed it is pressing countries whose citizens are on board the Estelle not to allow the ship to ‘approach’ Gaza.

It would be unacceptable for the EU to yield to such pressure, turning against its own citizens and its maritime fleet. It is especially serious when such actions are taken to stop a peaceful and humanitarian action that has wide public and political support, as demonstrated by the petition to end the illegal and inhumane blockade of Gaza, which has been signed by thousands of people around the world in recent days.

Has the High Representative received a request from the Government of Israel to prevent Freedom Flotilla III departing from European ports? Has the European diplomatic corps interceded to prevent threats connected to this being made to some EU countries? What steps will the High Representative take to ensure that Freedom Flotilla III can sail freely and that the European citizens on board are safe?

OJ C 294 E, 10/10/2013