Arrests on humanitarian flotilla: Three Mallorcan women detained in Israeli custody – Protests in Palma

Detentions off the coast: Mallorcan women in custody, Palma on its feet

It is one of those evenings when the air in the harbor smells of diesel and stirred voices. Around 7 p.m., hundreds gathered at Plaza de Cort, many with candles, some with self-painted signs. The reason: the arrest of three women from Mallorca who were said to be part of a humanitarian flotilla to Gaza.

What happened – in brief

Ships of the Israeli Navy stopped the flotilla in international waters, about 120 nautical miles off the coast, according to reports. Among those detained are the Mallorcan women Lucía Muñoz, Alejandra Martínez and Reyes Rigo. They were brought ashore and are in custody, according to activists. The authorities are reportedly examining deportations and entry bans.

Legally, this is not an easy case: International law of the sea recognizes the twelve-nautical-mile limit; beyond that, different rules apply. Israel cites a blockade that has been in place for years – critics see this as interference with international norms. Legal experts describe the proceedings as problematic; the debate now revolves around law, power, and humanitarian responsibility.

Reactions on Mallorca

On the island, people react irritably, sometimes dumbfounded. The Balearic government spoke of concern and called for support for the relatives. Representatives of the vice presidency expressed the hope of bringing the women back quickly, without naming concrete steps. Several unions and associations called for further demonstrations: a larger gathering on Plaza de las Columnas is announced for Sunday.

I spoke with people who were there yesterday: a teacher said she came because she did not want to stand by. A fisherman from Portixol said he no longer understood the situation – politics that reach to one’s own doorstep.

What the arrests mean for those involved

Reports of relocation to camps in the Negev Desert raise concerns. Activists are said to have thrown their phones into the sea before boarding, out of fear of surveillance. For the detained, legal consequences that can last for months: fines, entry bans, possibly criminal records.

A local echo with international threads

The situation shows how tightly local solidarity and global fault lines are interwoven. Whether one supports or criticizes the action – it has moved people in Mallorca. This weekend the island will become a stage for discussions, demonstrations and some indignation that few here had expected.

If you plan to attend: watch for short-notice calls on social networks and the organizers' guidance – the situation can change quickly.