Israeli forces captured the Global Sumud Flotilla on Wednesday in international waters near Greece, carrying about 175 activists including seven Chileans such as Macarena Chahuán. Chile's Foreign Ministry expressed concern and ordered consular follow-up. The Chilean will be transferred to Greece after hours out of contact.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian mission bound for Gaza, departed two weeks ago from European points to deliver aid. On Wednesday, Israeli forces intercepted 22 vessels in international waters over 1,200 kilometers from Gaza, near Greece. Among the detainees are seven Chileans: Macarena Chahuán, former official at the Interior and Housing Ministries and Arabic teacher, on the Magic Boat (Yaffa); Claudio Caiozzi, Víctor Chanfreau, Carolina Eltit, Ignacio Ladrón de Guevara, Bruno Salas, and Franco Torti.
Chahuán recorded a video before capture: “If you’re seeing this video, it’s because Israeli occupation forces have just kidnapped me in international waters. [...] Demand that the Chilean government stand on the side of justice and humanity.” The organization called the operation “piracy in broad daylight.”
Chile's Foreign Ministry stated in a communiqué: “The Government of Chile expresses its concern over the recent events [...] in which the participation of at least seven Chilean citizens has been reported.” It ordered immediate consular follow-up to safeguard their rights.
Israel's ambassador to Chile, Peleg Lewi, justified the action: “We don’t have to defend anything, because we are within our rights.” He said detainees will be disembarked in Greece and dismissed the humanitarian nature: “This flotilla has nothing humanitarian, it’s simply public relations.” Chile's Palestinian Community urged swift action to protect the nationals.
