SHOTLIST: PARIS, FRANCE (JUNE 12, 2025) (ANADOLU - ACCESS ALL) 1. VARIOUS OF FRENCH MEMBER OF EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT RIMA HASSAN CELEBRATED WITH ENTHUSIASM IN PARISPARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 12, 2025: French Members of the European Parliament and human rights activist Rima Hassan received a warm welcome in Paris on Thursday following her return from the Gaza-bound ship Madleen, which was blocked by Israeli authorities. Hassan, one of 12 international activists aboard the Madleen, was greeted by chanting supporters in Place de la République. Demonstrators waved Palestinian flags and held banners reading “We love you, Rima” and “Palestine” as the French MEP arrived by plane. In her speech, Hassan confirmed that two other French nationals detained during the operation are expected to return home tomorrow. She described the Madleen mission as both symbolic and political, aimed at delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and breaking Israel’s blockade. “The first thing they removed when boarding the ship was the Palestinian flag… And they forced us to sign a declaration claiming we entered Israeli territory illegally, which we refused,” Hassan said. She added that the vessel was intercepted in international waters and brought to Ashdod without consent. She also hinted at continued activism: “We are ready to launch the next ship soon, named Hanzala. There will be as many ships as necessary to break the blockade.” Alongside Hassan, fellow French activist Reva Viard returned to Paris today. The Madleen, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, departed from Catania, Italy on June 1, carrying humanitarian aid. On the morning of June 9, Israeli forces intercepted the 18-meter vessel and detained the activists. Four were deported on June 10.