Demonstration at La Moneda Calls on Chilean Government to Protect Citizens Abducted by Israel During Humanitarian Mission to Gaza

Original article: Manifestación frente a La Moneda exigió al Gobierno dar protección a chilenos secuestrados por Israel en misión humanitaria hacia Gaza Demonstration at La Moneda Calls on Chilean Government to Protect Citizens Abducted by Israel During Humanitarian Mission to Gaza On Monday, May 18th, at 6:00 PM, around a hundred people gathered at Plaza de la Ciudadanía, in front of the Palacio de La Moneda, to show support for the Palestinian people, condemn Israel’s actions in Gaza, and demand immediate government action regarding the abduction of four Chileans involved in the Global Sumud humanitarian mission. The protest occurred following an early morning incident where Israeli forces intercepted numerous civilian vessels attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Among those abducted are Carolina Eltit, Claudio Caiozzi, Víctor Chanfreau, and Ignacio Ladrón de Guevara—all Chileans and part of this international initiative comprised of activists, healthcare professionals, lawyers, journalists, and human rights defenders from various countries.

During the event, attendees held placards and Palestinian flags, demanding that the Chilean government activate all necessary protocols through the Foreign Ministry and the Chilean consulate in Israel to safeguard the physical and psychological integrity of the abducted citizens. «What happened this morning is a blatant act of illegal interception and the abduction of activists participating in a mission that is 100% humanitarian and non-violent. We are here to urge the Chilean government to intervene with Israeli authorities for the prompt release of our companions,» stated Bruno Salas Zarzar, a member of the Chilean delegation that participated in the maritime mission and returned to Chile a few days ago.

Alongside representatives from the Chilean delegation of Global Sumud, the Palestinian Information Center (CIP) was present at the event, expressing support for the mission, joining the demands directed at the Foreign Ministry, and providing information about the situation of the land convoy. «The Global Sumud mission also includes a land component, with Chilean Felipe Uthman participating. They are currently stranded in Libya and not being allowed to proceed.

We are tired of Israel’s impunity. We need the entire civil society, authorities, and lawmakers to mobilize to stop these crimes. This goes beyond Palestine; we are fighting for the future of humanity,» asserted Stephanie Elías, Executive Director of CIP.

Concerns for the Abducted Citizens Family members of the abducted Chileans also attended the demonstration, expressing deep concern for their loved ones’ situation. «We haven’t received information about Víctor for more than 12 hours. This afternoon, we had a meeting at the Foreign Ministry.

They told us they had no information but were willing to gather it, although they had nothing so far,» said Alberto Aramburg, father of Víctor Chanfreau. The Student Solidarity Network was also in attendance, with spokesperson Arantxa Díaz stating, «We are here to denounce that the government has not taken sufficient action to find out the whereabouts of the four Chileans who were delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. We do not know their health status or the conditions of their detention or where they are right now.

» «We condemn the impunity with which the Israeli state has acted against the Palestinian people for years. We will not remain silent about this genocide,» added the student leader. Finally, participants reiterated that the Global Sumud mission is entirely civil and humanitarian, denouncing that the interception of vessels in international waters constitutes a severe violation of international law and a renewed attempt to block assistance to the Palestinian population in Gaza.

We will continue to provide updates.