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Macron Takes Firm Stand Against Israel Over Seized Boat, Says Blocking Aid Is 'Shameful'

France is in contact with Israel concerning six French nationals aboard the British-flagged charity yacht Madleen, which was seized while attempting to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. The vessel aimed to deliver symbolic aid and raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis. French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at the U.N. Ocean Summit in Nice, condemned the blockade as “shameful” and called for a ceasefire in Gaza. Since March, Israel has sealed Gaza’s borders, blocking supplies over concerns that Hamas was diverting aid. Recently, limited food has been allowed in, distributed by an Israeli-backed group, but many Palestinians have died trying to access it. Separately, Macron announced that the High Seas Treaty, focused on conserving international waters, will come into effect in early 2026 after receiving enough ratifications. The treaty, adopted in 2023, allows countries to establish marine parks in international waters, which cover nearly two-thirds of the ocean but are largely unprotected.

first published: Jun 10, 2025 02:04 pm