Reading Time: 2 min
PARIS, June 16 (OLA NEWS) –They are free. This Monday, the last three passengers of the “Selfie Yacht” were finally released. Detained for a week following the interception of the “Madleen” sailboat by Israel, the three men were expelled to Jordan. Among them were French nationals Yanis Mhamdi, a journalist at Blast, Pascal Mauriéras, and Dutch citizen Marco Van Rennes. “I’ve just been extradited to Jordan. Thank you all for your support. Finally freeeeeee!!!!” reacted Yanis Mhamdi on social media.
The crew, originally made up of twelve people, had set sail from Italy aboard the yacht with the aim of “breaking the Israeli blockade” by delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. They were eventually arrested on June 9, 185 kilometers off the Palestinian coast. Among the passengers were MEP Rima Hassan and environmental activist Greta Thunberg. Their return marks a new step in the international campaign of support for the people of Gaza, as pro-Palestinian demonstrations continue to grow around the world.
This weekend, rallies took place in Paris, Brussels, and The Hague. Thousands of demonstrators marched to denounce the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave, described by some organizers as “genocidal.” In Paris, “Free Palestine” signs were held high in a protest described as “unifying.” In Belgium and the Netherlands, children took part in the marches. Several public figures also voiced their support.
This symbolic return has reignited political engagement in France. Four trade unions and five left-wing parties—including La France Insoumise, EELV, and the Socialist Party—gathered in the capital this weekend to express their solidarity with Palestine. A rare moment of unity, reflecting Gaza’s growing place in the public debate. Echoing through the crowds was a shared slogan : “We are all children of Gaza.”
Reporting and pictures by Arnaud Cesar Villette, Lucas Autréau, OLA NEWS PARIS; editing by Alexandre Minguez
