Ana Prestes points to Israel’s “torture refinements” against activists

Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) vessel Madleen was intercepted on Sunday (8) by the Armed Forces of Israel. The occupants of the vessel themselves with humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip described what happened as “kidnapping” in videos later posted on social networks. Political analysts and entities corroborate the accusation made.

In the view of PCdoB’s political scientist and secretary of International Relations, Ana Prestes, the vessel with the activists was approached illegally as it was in international waters. In addition, Ana emphasizes the threatening form used by the Navy of Israel, with drones, chemicals, lights and sounds, which configures a refinement of torture.

“That white powder thrown, they [militares israelenses] They use in Lebanon, there in the Bekaa Valley, it is a very strong dust, it is unbearable for people. The way the approach was done, everything is filmed, all recorded. There is no doubt that it is another abuse of the State of Israel to prevent any access to Gaza that is not mediated by them, and in a gross, threatening and with refinement of torture, yes, in the way they interpretated, kidnapped and intercepted the Madleen vessel, which was heading there to the coast of Gaza, ”he says.

Read more: Brazil asks Israel to release activists who led help to Gaza

This Monday (9), Brazil’s Foreign Ministry issued a note asking for the release of the 12 crew and that Israel immediately allows the entry of humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip.

According to the political scientist, Itamaraty’s note “was very good, very concise and hard” in highlighting Israel as an occupying power, therefore, with responsibilities to the Palestinian population, which insists on breaking down, as they restrict access to drinking water, food, medical inputs and medicines.

See the moments of terror that the activists faced:

Ana Prestes also emphasizes the request for the release of the 12 international activists, including a European Union parliamentarian, Franco-Palestinian Rima Hassan, Brazilian Tiago Ávila, Swedish Greta Thunberg, as well as people from Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and Turkey.

“In addition to Brazil requiring the immediate release of activists, it also requires that Israel interrupts the embargo on inputs and supplies, foods and that the genocide interrupts. The note does not speak specifically of ceasefire, but it speaks of the interruption of this use of power occupying Gaza. The genocide of the State of Israel, ”says Prestes, also referring to President Lula’s recent public statements about a“ premeditated genocide ”in Gaza.

After intercepting the boat with humanitarian aid, the Israelis indicated that the 12 activists would land in Israel and would be deported.

Repercussion

In France, a great mobilization took the streets of Paris. Left Leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon, with whom President Lula met last week, spoke to thousands of protesters who call for the release of the 12 activists, including the MEF-pound Rima Hassan.

May this moment remain engraved in the hearts of each of us. By their courage, these women and men made more in 24 hours against the genocide in Gaza than dozens of government who remain without doing anything.

Glory in Rima! Glory in Greta and the rest of … pic.twitter.com/K1OANSG62J

-Jean-Luc Mélenchon (@jlmelenchon) June 9, 2025

In Brazil, a demonstration is scheduled for this second (9), in front of the Planalto Palace, in Brasilia (DF). Organized by human rights movements, the main request of the act is the breakdown of diplomatic relations.

FEPAL (Palestinian Arab Federation of Brazil) released a harsh public note that, in the face of the recent event, indicates that Israel “must finally be isolated and penalized, whether with sanctions, boycott and divestment, or with military blockade.”

Read more: Ana Prestes analyzes the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazifascism

On social networks, the federal deputies of PCdoB, Jandira Feghali and Daiana Santos commented on the case. Both charged a position of the Brazilian government, which has already occurred.

Jandira was emphatic by pointing out that there was “kidnapping in international waters” and requested a break from diplomatic relations with Israel.

Urgent: sequestration in international waters

Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s humanitarian ship was intercepted and taken by Israeli forces at the last night. The vessel was incommunicable shortly after being surrounded by drones and military vessels, as… pic.twitter.com/hvaFU5wn42

– Jandira Feghali 🇧🇷🚩 (@jandira_feghali) June 9, 2025

For Daiana, the situation that occurred with the flotilla is unacceptable: “war crime”.

URGENT! 🚨

Flotilha da Freedom (Madleen), a vessel organized by activists from various countries to bring humanitarian aid, including water and food to the population of Gaza, was attacked by Israeli genocidal forces.

On board are the Brazilian activist @thiagoavilabr e… pic.twitter.com/rKNJaLaUgF

– Daiana Santos (@daianasantospoa) June 9, 2025