2 Massachusetts brothers on board Gaza flotilla detained by Israel

State lawmakers are urging the government to release individuals detained during a flotilla attempting to deliver aid into Gaza. Two brothers from Sheffield were among those on boats carrying food, baby formula, and medicine, along with hundreds of volunteers. Their mother last heard from them before their vessels were intercepted by defense forces.

The brothers were reportedly on separate boats, with one detained on Wednesday and the other on Thursday. A congresswoman publicly called for their freedom and that of others detained, condemning the blockage of humanitarian aid and describing the situation as unconscionable amidst a surge into Gaza. Family members are seeking reassurance about the safety of their loved ones.

While Israeli officials have condemned the flotillas, and it's been reported that US detainees will be repatriated, the mother of the two brothers has not yet received confirmation that her sons will be among those sent home.

• State lawmakers are calling on the government to free men and other members of a flotilla.
• Two brothers from Sheffield were on boats carrying food, baby formula, medicine, and hundreds of volunteers.
• Israel Defense Forces blocked and arrested those aboard the flotilla.
• One brother was detained on Wednesday, the other on Thursday.
• A congresswoman condemned the blockage of humanitarian aid and called for the release of detainees, with family members seeking confirmation of their loved ones' safety.

Aid Flotilla Detainees [0:00]

• State lawmakers are urging the government to free men and other members of a flotilla.
• Two brothers from Sheffield were aboard a flotilla carrying food, baby formula, medicine, and hundreds of volunteers.
• Israel Defense Forces blocked and arrested those aboard the flotilla.
• The brothers were on two separate boats, with one detained on Wednesday and the other on Thursday.
• Family members are seeking reassurance about the safety and well-being of their loved ones.

"It is unconscionable that the Israeli military continues to block humanitarian aid, food, water, and baby formula in the genocide and surge into Gaza."

The core message of this section is the detention of individuals on an aid flotilla attempting to reach Gaza and the subsequent calls for their release. It highlights the humanitarian nature of the aid being carried and the concern from family members and lawmakers about the situation.

Official Condemnation and Repatriation [0:00]

• Israeli officials, including police and the foreign ministry, have condemned the flotillas.
• It has been reported that detainees from the United States will be sent back home.
• The mother of two detained brothers has not yet received information on whether her sons will be among those repatriated.

The focus here shifts to the official response, with condemnation of the flotillas from Israeli authorities. While there's a report of US detainees being sent home, uncertainty remains for some families regarding their specific situation.

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