Many have raised their concerns with me regarding British-flagged vessel Madleen. I am concerned about why the boat was intercepted in international waters & I have urged the Foreign Secretary to seek clarification.

Read my letter to the Foreign Secretary here:

Dear Foreign Secretary,

I write to you regarding the British-flagged civilian boat, Madleen, which as you know has aimed to deliver aid into Gaza following Israel’s blockade.

I am concerned that the boat and the volunteers on the boat have now been intercepted by Israeli authorities in international waters.

As you know, Gazans remain unable to access secure food, shelter, and urgent medical supplies due to blockades of humanitarian aid. 2 million people are at risk of starvation, as outlined by the United Nations, and earlier this month aid distribution centres were closed for one week. This leaves Palestinians in desperate need for the basics to survive.

I urge you to take immediate action by seeking urgent clarification as to why this boat was intercepted, to ensure all volunteers return to their home countries safely and freely, and to ensure the aid does enter Gaza. I would also urge you to continue to call for an immediate ceasefire, pressing for the full restoration of humanitarian aid to Gaza, release of the remaining hostages, and instating a full arms embargo on Israel to prevent further breaches of international law.

The violence we are witnessing is a result of decades of international partners failing to resolve the issue of Palestinian statehood. It is imperative that a solution is found and recognising the state of Palestine is the first step in the peace process to secure a long-lasting two-state solution.

Yours Sincerely,

Afzal Khan MP

Member of Parliament for Manchester Rusholme