Israeli Forces Seize Gaza-Bound Aid Ship Carrying Greta Thunberg
Israeli forces have intercepted the Madleen, a yacht carrying 12 pro-Palestinian activists—including climate campaigner Greta Thunberg and EU parliamentarian Rima Hassan—on its way to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The vessel was seized in international waters before reaching its destination after it attempted to break through a naval blockade of the Palestinian enclave, and was towed to the Israeli port of Ashdod. Israeli officials said the activists were unharmed, provided with food and water, and would be returned to their home countries.
The Madleen, which carried a symbolic load of items like baby formula and rice, was part of a Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) mission to challenge Israel’s long-standing naval blockade on Gaza. The Israeli government dismissed the voyage as a “media stunt,” labeling it as a “selfie yacht of celebrities”. However, they have confirmed that the small shipment would be rerouted through approved channels to Gaza. Meanwhile, FFC organizers and legal experts have slammed the interception of the yacht as a violation of international law and called the detentions arbitrary and unlawful.
The incident has reignited debate over Israel's blockade, which has been in place since 2007 to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas. Humanitarian groups and UN officials say the siege has pushed over two million Gazans to the brink of famine. While Israel referenced security concerns, critics accuse the government of using excessive force and smearing aid missions as pro-Hamas propaganda. “We will not be intimidated. The world is watching,” said FFC spokesperson Hay Sha Wiya.
