1. United States
2. Ore.
3. Letter

The humanitarian aid ship Madleen was unlawfully boarded and its crew was abducted in international waters by Israeli forces while attempting to deliver desperately needed supplies to Gaza. This flagrant violation of international law and human rights is unacceptable. The abducted crew members are not subject to Israeli jurisdiction and their arbitrary detention must end immediately. Safe passage for the Madleen and its crew to complete their humanitarian mission to Gaza must be granted without delay. The ongoing blockade of Gaza has created an unconscionable humanitarian crisis, and efforts to provide aid cannot be criminalized or obstructed through military force against civilian volunteers. Israel must respect the laws of the sea, release the detained crew and cargo, and allow this legal humanitarian operation to proceed unimpeded to its destination of Gaza.