Screen capture from Instagram/@jasmeda
Rep. Rick Larsen is calling for the immediate release of Jasmine Ikeda, an Orcas Island resident detained by Israeli authorities during the interception of a Gaza-bound flotilla in international waters on Oct. 1.
Ikeda was among approximately 450 international activists—including lawmakers, humanitarian workers, and prominent public figures—participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla, a maritime effort aiming to break Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip and deliver symbolic humanitarian aid. Israeli naval forces stopped the flotilla late Wednesday, drawing widespread condemnation and sparking global protests.
In a video, Ikeda said, “I’ve been kidnapped against my will by the IOF (Israeli Occupation Forces) for attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. Please demand of the U.S government to stop the genocide, to stop supplying Israel with funds and weapons of mass destruction. And please demand the release and safety of me and my comrades.”
“I have been in touch with Jasmine’s family, and I am working with them to advocate for her immediate release,” Larsen said in a statement. “With the permission of Jasmine’s family, I can share that I have reached out to the State Department and requested the U.S. Embassy in Israel provide full and timely consular services to her. I am monitoring the situation closely to ensure Jasmine is provided with humane treatment while in custody, legal due process, and is released immediately from Israeli detention.”
Israeli police shared a video showing some 600 officers working on the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, considered the holiest in the Jewish calendar, to register the detained activists ahead of their expected deportations.
So will Jasmine work to stop the blockade Hamas has had on aid since the war started? Israel and the US have worked to distribute aid and defend civilians from individual attacks from Hamas, as well as a general effort by Hamas to steal aid and sell it on the black market. Have you looked into that Jasmine? Or do you prefer these occasional publicity stunts to deliver a box of crackers, and then go back to a fancy house on Orcas?
Ana, Stop drinking the Kool-aid ! Jasmine and people from 30 countries were trying to bring supplies and aid to those in Gaza that are starving to death. You have issues with people offering Humanitarian aide? So sad for you.