A French diplomat was quoted by Channel 12 Thursday night as saying that: “France is closely monitoring this boat due to the presence of six French citizens on board.
France is prepared to offer aid to our citizens who are on board if necessary.” The diplomat refused to say what would make such intervention necessary, the report said.
A British official cited by Channel 12 said the United Kingdom was also monitoring the situation, and, according to the outlet, implied that the British government was initially unaware that the Madleen was sailing under the UK flag.
The network reported that Israeli sources had said Jerusalem had requested that Britain forbid the ship to fly the UK flag, but Britain refused to do so, citing British sailing regulations. The British government reportedly asked Israel to vouch for the safety of the Madleen and its passengers.
Both the French and British governments have recently sharpened their tone against Israel’s renewed operations in Gaza and the humanitarian situation there.
