RSF condemns ‘kidnapping’ of three journalists on board Gaza aid flotilla

Key Points:

• Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemned Israel for "kidnapping" three journalists aboard the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, intercepted in international waters; the journalists include two Al Jazeera correspondents and one from US media outlet Zeteo.
• Al Jazeera expressed deep concern for the safety of its journalists and called on the international community to hold Israel accountable for violations of international law and to protect press freedom.
• Israel intercepted 22 of 58 vessels in international waters off Greece, detaining 211 people, with plans to transport detainees to Greece; Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez criticized Israel for violating international law and urged the EU to freeze bilateral ties.
• Past allegations from detained activists include claims of physical and mental abuse by Israeli authorities, which Israel has denied, calling such accusations "fake news."
• A February report by the Committee to Protect Journalists highlighted systemic abuse, including torture and medical neglect, of Palestinian journalists detained by Israel, many held without charge under administrative detention.