Email Template:

Email address:fcdo.correspondence@fcdo.gov.uk

Dear Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Middle East and North Africa Department,

My name is  [Your Name]  and I am writing to you with the utmost urgency regarding the MV Madleen, a British-flagged civilian aid vessel currently en route to Gaza. We have received credible information from those onboard that the MV Madleen is directly under threat from Israeli forces.

The MV Madleen is carrying vital humanitarian aid which is desperately needed by the civilian population in Gaza, who are facing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. It is our understanding that under international law, clearly identified humanitarian vessels and their personnel are protected, and any interference, threat, or use of force against such vessels is a grave violation of these principles. As a British-flagged vessel, the MV Madleen and its crew are directly under the protection of the United Kingdom government.

Given the immediate threat, we are urgently requesting the following actions from the FCDO:

Immediate Diplomatic Intervention with Israel: We urge the FCDO to make immediate and forceful diplomatic representations to the Israeli government at the highest levels, demanding assurances for the MV Madleen’s safe passage and the unhindered delivery of its aid. This must include explicit warnings against any military action or interference.

Public Statement: We request a clear and unequivocal public statement from the FCDO, confirming the protected status of the MV Madleen, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to international humanitarian law and condemning any threats or actions against humanitarian vessels.

Coordination with International Partners: Engage immediately with international partners, including the United Nations, other allied governments, and relevant maritime organisations, to amplify pressure on Israel and ensure a unified international stance on the protection of this vessel.

Contingency Planning for Aid Delivery: In the event of any disruption, we ask for the FCDO’s immediate efforts to ensure the humanitarian cargo still reaches the civilian population in Gaza.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is beyond critical, and any disruption to aid deliveries will have devastating consequences. As the whole world’s eyes are on the MV Madleen and its cargo, it is paramount that the British Government upholds international law to ensure that not only it’s own credibility but that of international humanitarian law hinges on the protection of the delivery of such vital aid missions.

We trust that the UK government will take immediate and decisive action to protect the MV Madleen and uphold its responsibilities to its flagged vessels and humanitarian principles.

Please confirm receipt of this urgent email and advise on the immediate steps being taken.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

 

Telephone Script:

Telephone Number:020 7008 5000

You: “Good morning/afternoon. My name is [Your Name]. I need to speak with someone regarding urgent humanitarian aid operations in Gaza, specifically the protection of a vessel transporting vital supplies.”

Operator: “Please hold while I connect you to the relevant department.”

(Hopefully, you are connected to the Middle East and North Africa desk or a humanitarian affairs desk. If not, reiterate your request firmly but politely.)

You: “Thank you for taking my call. My name is [Your Name], and I am calling regarding the vessel Madleen which is a humanitarian aid vessel en route to Gaza. We are seeking the immediate assistance and diplomatic protection of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to ensure its safe passage and the unhindered delivery of its critical cargo.”

FCDO Official: “Can you provide more details about the vessel and its mission?”

You: “Yes, certainly.

Vessel Name: Madleen
Flag State: British-flagged vessel

Current Location International waters off the coast of Alexanderia Egypt, proceeding towards the coast of Gaza

Cargo: medical supplies, food, which is desperately needed by the civilian population in Gaza.

Number of Crew/Passengers: 12 international humanitarian volunteers on board, all of whom are unarmed civilians.

Estimated Arrival Time: We anticipate its arrival within the next 8 hours
You: “Our primary concern is the safety and security of the vessel, its crew, and the vital humanitarian cargo, which Israel has placed under direct threat. As you know, the maritime area around Gaza is highly volatile, and there have been previous incidents involving vessels attempting to deliver aid. We understand that under international maritime law, humanitarian vessels and their personnel are protected, and we urge the UK government to uphold these principles.”

FCDO Official: “What specific actions are you requesting from the FCDO?”

You: “We are requesting the following immediate actions:

Coordination with International Partners: Engage immediately with international partners, including the United Nations, other allied governments, and relevant maritime organisations, to amplify pressure on Israel and ensure a unified international stance on the protection of this vessel.

Contingency Planning for Aid Delivery: In the event of any disruption, we ask for the FCDO’s immediate efforts to ensure the humanitarian cargo still reaches the civilian population in Gaza.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is beyond critical, and any disruption to aid deliveries will have devastating consequences. As the whole world’s eyes are on the MV Madleen and its cargo, it is paramount that the British Government upholds international law to ensure that not only it’s own credibility but that of international humanitarian law hinges on the protection of the delivery of such vital aid missions.

Could you please give me an approximate timeframe for when we can expect an initial response or update? Also, is there a specific reference number for this case that I can use for future enquiries?

The Gaza Freedom Flotilla can be followed at:

https://www.instagram.com/gazafreedomflotilla/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet