Gaza Aid Mission Halted: Greta Thunberg Among Activists Detained by Israeli Forces

Jerusalem/Ashdod, June 9, 2025 — Israeli naval forces intercepted and seized a British-flagged yacht, Madleen, carrying Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and other activists attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge the region's naval blockade.

The vessel, operated by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), aimed to deliver a symbolic shipment of rice and baby formula while drawing global attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The interception occurred in international waters, sparking international reactions and raising questions about maritime law and humanitarian access.

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Interception and Arrest in International Waters

The Madleen was boarded by Israeli naval forces around 2 a.m. on Monday, with all crew members, including Thunberg and French European Parliament member Rima Hassan, detained and transported to the Israeli port of Ashdod. In a pre-recorded video released by the FFC, Thunberg stated, "If you see this video, we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by Israeli occupational forces or forces that support Israel." She urged the Swedish government to secure the release of the crew.

A photograph circulating online showed the activists, wearing life jackets, with their hands raised as Israeli forces boarded the vessel under bright lights.

Israel's Response and Official Statements

The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed the vessel was under their control, dismissing the mission as a publicity stunt and labeling Thunberg an "antisemite." The ministry stated on social media, "The 'selfie yacht' of the 'celebrities' is safely making its way to the shores of Israel. We expect the passengers to return to their home countries." They added that all aboard were safe and provided with food and water and shared an image of Thunberg smiling while being offered a sandwich by a soldier.

The ministry announced that established humanitarian channels will transfer the small amount of aid on board to Gaza. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz had ordered the military to prevent the vessel from reaching Gaza, describing the mission as propaganda supporting Hamas. Upon arrival at Ashdod, activists were to be shown videos of the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack that killed over 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, according to Israeli authorities.

Did you know?
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has attempted to break the Gaza blockade multiple times since 2010, with previous missions also intercepted by Israeli forces, including a 2010 incident that resulted in nine activist deaths.

International Reactions and Calls for Release

The interception prompted swift responses from several governments. The Swedish Foreign Ministry is in contact with Israeli authorities to address Thunberg's situation, stating they would provide consular support if needed. Emmanuel Macron's office, the French president, demanded the immediate release of French nationals on board, while the Spanish Foreign Ministry requested consular protection for its citizens.

Hamas condemned the seizure as "state terrorism" and praised the activists' efforts. Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, supported the FFC's mission, urging other Mediterranean ports to send aid boats to challenge the blockade, stating, "Madleen's journey may have ended, but the mission isn't over."

Context of the Gaza Blockade

Israel has maintained a naval blockade on Gaza since Hamas took control in 2007, citing the need to prevent weapons from reaching the militant group. The blockade has persisted through multiple conflicts, including the ongoing war triggered by the October 7, 2023, attack. According to Gaza health officials, Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed over 54,000 Palestinians and displaced most of the region's 2.3 million residents.

Israel closed Gaza's land borders for three months in March 2025, preventing all supplies and claiming that Hamas was diverting aid. Recent limited food deliveries, facilitated by an Israeli-backed group, have led to deadly scrambles among hungry Palestinians.