JERUSALEM, June 9, 2025 – Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound aid boat early Monday, detaining climate activist Greta Thunberg and several other activists on board. This action reinforces Israel’s longstanding blockade of the Palestinian territory, which has been intensified during the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organized the voyage to deliver humanitarian aid and protest against Israel’s blockade, reported that the activists were “kidnapped by Israeli forces.” They released pre-recorded messages from the detained activists, stating that the ship was unlawfully boarded, its unarmed civilian crew abducted, and its life-saving cargo—including baby formula, food, and medical supplies—confiscated.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry characterized the voyage as a public relations stunt, asserting that the “selfie yacht” of celebrities would safely return to Israel’s shores. The ministry confirmed that the passengers would be sent back to their home countries, while the aid would be delivered to Gaza through established channels. Footage circulated by the ministry showed Israeli military personnel providing sandwiches and water to the activists, who were seen wearing orange life vests.
Thunberg, along with 12 other activists aboard the vessel Madleen, had set sail from Sicily a week prior. The ship had previously stopped to rescue four migrants who had jumped overboard to avoid detention by the Libyan coast guard. In a pre-recorded message, Thunberg urged her supporters to pressure the Swedish government for her release and that of her fellow activists.
Among the volunteers on board was Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament of Palestinian descent, who has been barred from entering Israel due to her opposition to Israeli policies.
Following a 2½-month total blockade aimed at pressuring Hamas, Israel began allowing some basic aid into Gaza last month. However, humanitarian workers have warned of impending famine unless the blockade is lifted and military operations cease.
The Freedom Flotilla’s previous attempt to reach Gaza by sea failed when another vessel was attacked by drones while sailing in international waters off Malta, an incident the group attributed to Israeli forces.
Since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007, Israel and Egypt have imposed varying degrees of blockade on the territory. Critics argue that the blockade constitutes collective punishment for Gaza’s approximately 2 million residents. The ongoing conflict, which escalated following the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction, leaving the population heavily reliant on international aid.
