GAZA, (Palestine Foundation Information Center) The Freedom Flotilla Coalition said on Wednesday that the US administration has yet to provide any consular services to three of its citizens detained by Israeli occupation forces after being seized from the “Handala” ship, which was attempting to break the siege on Gaza, despite four days having passed since their detention.
In a press statement, the coalition declared: “This failure to provide even the most basic protection or oversight is a disgrace and reflects the broader complicity of the U.S. government in enabling Israel’s repeated violations of international law and crimes against humanity.”
The coalition identified the detained Americans as Christian Daniel Smalls, co-founder of the Amazon Labor Union; Braydon James Beluso; and Frank Joseph Romano, a human rights lawyer, activist, and volunteer firefighter.
Beluso reportedly sent a public message stating: “No US embassy officials have visited us or inquired about our condition, despite our repeated appeals.”
Meanwhile, Frank Romano, who has been on a hunger and water strike for three days, announced he would resume drinking water starting at 18:00 today but vowed to continue his hunger strike until a ceasefire in Gaza is achieved:
“After completing three days without food or water, I will start drinking water today at 18:00. From now on, I will continue my hunger strike until both sides agree to a ceasefire. This is not about m, butt about shining a light on Gaza.”
Romano emphasized that the international community bears responsibility for ending the illegal Israeli blockade and the ongoing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza:
“These are desperate times, and desperate measures are needed. My life is just a vehicle to highlight Gaza’s plight.”
The coalition condemned the US administration’s silence and its failure to protect its citizens who were forcibly abducted during a peaceful and humanitarian mission. It urged American citizens to contact U.S. embassies and demand that Washington safeguard its citizens and work to end the genocide in Gaza.
Yesterday, the coalition reported that activist Christian Smalls was physically assaulted by Israeli occupation forces while in detention, stating he was beaten by seven uniformed Israeli soldiers.
On Saturday, Israeli naval forces stormed the “Handala” vessel carrying international activists en route to Gaza to break the blockade, seizing it and towing it to Ashdod Port.
The ship had departed from Syracuse, Italy, on 13 July, stopped at Gallipoli Port on 15 July for technical issues, and resumed sailing toward Gaza on 20 July.
This is not the first such incident: On 9 June, Israeli forces intercepted the “Madleen” ship from international waters, detained 12 international activists onboard, and later deported them under the condition that they not return.
Meanwhile, Gaza faces one of the worst humanitarian crises in its history, with famine intertwining with Israel’s genocidal war since 7 October 2023. With all crossings closed and food and medicine barred since 2 March, famine has spread across Gaza, leaving children and the sick suffering from acute malnutrition.
