Hijacking of the MS Achille Lauro
Background
On October 7, 1985, the Italian cruise ship MS Achille Lauro was hijacked by four members of the Palestine Liberation Front (PLF). The hijackers seized control of the vessel in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Egypt.
Demand
The hijackers demanded the release of 50 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. They also threatened to blow up the ship if their demands were not met.
Hostages
There were 990 passengers and crew members on board the Achille Lauro. The hijackers held the hostages captive for two days.
Murder of Leon Klinghoffer
On October 9, the hijackers shot and killed Leon Klinghoffer, a 69-year-old American tourist who was confined to a wheelchair. His body was thrown overboard.
Negotiations
Negotiations between the hijackers and Italian authorities eventually led to the release of the hostages. The hijackers were allowed to leave the ship with the body of Klinghoffer.
Aftermath
The hijacking of the Achille Lauro was a major international incident. It led to increased security measures on cruise ships and increased tensions between the United States and the Palestinian Liberation Organization. In 1986, the hijackers were convicted and sentenced to life in prison.
Conclusion
The hijacking of the MS Achille Lauro was a tragedy that cost the life of an innocent man. It also served as a reminder of the ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. The hijacking left a lasting impression on the world, and its lessons continue to be relevant today.
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