Greta Thunberg Intercepted by Israeli Military While Attempting to Break Gaza Blockade
Climate activist Greta Thunberg and 11 other international campaigners have been intercepted by the Israeli military while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza aboard the yacht Madleen. The British-flagged vessel, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), had set sail from Sicily on 1 June with the aim of challenging Israel’s longstanding sea blockade on Gaza.
According to the Israeli Foreign Ministry, the boat was brought to Ashdod Port “a short while ago” and all passengers, including Ms. Thunberg, underwent medical examinations. The ministry confirmed that the aid on board would be transferred to Gaza through official humanitarian channels.
Israel’s Defence Minister stated that the military had shown Thunberg and the other activists a video of the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks in which over 1,200 Israelis were killed. Reports suggest the activists refused to continue watching the footage.
“The antisemitic flotilla members are turning a blind eye to the truth,” said the minister. “They prefer murderers over the murdered and ignore the atrocities committed against Israeli civilians.”
He praised the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) for the “swift and safe” interception of the vessel and reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to defeating Hamas and securing the release of hostages still held in Gaza.
The Israeli government also criticized the mission, labeling the boat as a “selfie yacht for celebrities,” but confirmed that Greta Thunberg was “safe and in good spirits” during the transfer process.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has condemned the Israeli interception, accusing the military of “kidnapping” its members in international waters. Pre-recorded statements from activists were released by the FFC after contact with the boat was lost.
Hamas condemned the seizure of the vessel as a “flagrant violation of international law” and praised the activists for showing global solidarity with Gaza. “The detention of Madleen’s crew will not silence the voices of the free,” said the group in a statement.
Rima Hassan, a French-Palestinian member of the European Parliament who was on board, was reportedly barred from entering Israel due to her stance on Israeli policies toward Palestinians. She claimed on social media that the Israeli navy intercepted the yacht in international waters.
Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Palestinian Territories, voiced her support for the mission, stating:
“Madleen’s journey may have ended, but the mission isn’t over. Every Mediterranean port must send boats with aid and solidarity to Gaza.”
The attempted voyage comes amid growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Though Israel has recently allowed limited aid, humanitarian organizations warn of famine-like conditions due to the continued blockade and war. The conflict, which escalated following the October 2023 Hamas-led attack, has reportedly led to over 54,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
A previous attempt by the Freedom Flotilla to reach Gaza by sea was also thwarted when one of its boats was reportedly struck by drones in international waters. The group has blamed Israel for the attack, which damaged the vessel.
Despite repeated interceptions, activists say they will continue their efforts to break the blockade and deliver aid to Gaza by sea.
