Israeli Navy Seizes Gaza-Bound Aid Boat Carrying Greta Thunberg in International Waters

The Israeli navy has intercepted and seized the British-flagged vessel Madleen in international waters north of Gaza, detaining climate activist Greta Thunberg, French MEP Rima Hassan, and 10 other passengers. The sailboat, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was attempting to breach Israel’s naval blockade on Gaza to deliver humanitarian supplies.

The vessel had departed Catania, Sicily, on June 1, carrying essentials such as baby formula, flour, menstrual products, children’s prosthetics, and medical kits. On June 5, the crew rescued four migrants at sea before continuing toward Gaza.

Israeli Forces Deploy Drones, Disable Comms, and Board

According to the activists on board, the interception involved Israeli drones, communication jamming, and the use of chemical irritants. Videos reportedly show the group in distress as naval forces approached and boarded the vessel early Monday.

Despite the tense confrontation, Israeli officials said all 12 passengers were unharmed, given food and water, and are being towed to the port of Ashdod for deportation. The Israeli Foreign Ministry dismissed the mission as a “publicity stunt”, dubbing Madleen a “selfie yacht” and insisting aid should be routed through official channels.

Activists Decry Seizure as Illegal and Dangerous

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition condemned the move as a violation of international law. Spokesperson Talitha Fraser accused Israel of “kidnapping unarmed civilians” and confiscating life-saving supplies.

“This was a humanitarian voyage, not an act of aggression,” said Fraser. “Israel has no right to seize aid ships in international waters.”

Echoes of Mavi Marmara Incident

The interception recalls the 2010 Mavi Marmara raid, in which nine activists were killed when Israeli commandos stormed a Gaza-bound flotilla. The Madleen is the second aid mission intercepted in recent weeks — the Conscience was reportedly struck by Israeli drones near Malta in May.

Legal and Political Fallout

UN experts and human rights advocates have condemned the latest seizure, calling it “blatant piracy” and urging immediate release of the detainees.

European leaders have also spoken out. Rima Hassan, a French MEP aboard the Madleen, called the operation “a reckless act” in breach of international norms. Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris demanded that the activists be freed and that unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza be guaranteed.

In a pre-recorded video message, Greta Thunberg urged the Swedish government to intervene, calling the incident “an unjust act of kidnapping” and highlighting the urgent need to address Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza Worsens

Since the 2007 blockade and especially after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, Israel has intensified restrictions on the Gaza Strip. With 2.3 million Palestinians facing dwindling food and medical supplies, the UN has warned of imminent famine, and international pressure for access to aid has mounted.

Israel claims the intercepted cargo will be rerouted via Ashdod and inspected before being distributed via official aid agencies.

What Lies Ahead

As deportation procedures begin, diplomatic pressure is expected to rise on Israel. Humanitarian organizations continue to demand unfettered aid corridors into Gaza, while activists plan more flotillas in defiance of the blockade.

With global attention refocused on freedom of navigation, humanitarian rights, and the legality of the blockade, this incident may prove to be a critical flashpoint in the ongoing Gaza crisis.