Israeli forces have taken control of Madleen yacht, an aid boat that was heading to Gaza, and detained activists on board, including Greta Thunberg, reported the Associated Press (AP).
The British-flagged Madleen yacht is operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC). It sailed towards Gaza on June 1 to challenge the ongoing Israeli blockade and deliver a small amount of aid, in a symbolic show of support.
Seizing Madleen
The FFC accused Israeli forces of kidnapping activists aboard Madleen. In a statement, it said: “The ship was unlawfully boarded, its unarmed civilian crew abducted, and its life-saving cargo—including baby formula, food and medical supplies—confiscated.”
On its part, the Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed it had taken command of the aid ship. “The ‘selfie yacht’ of the ‘celebrities’ is safely making its way to the shores of Israel. The passengers are expected to return to their home countries,” it wrote on X.
The Israeli ministry accused the boat’s crew of “attempting to stage a media provocation,” adding that all the passengers were safe and unharmed. “They were provided with sandwiches and water. The show is over,” it noted.
Humanitarian Mission
Madleen, which set sail from Sicily a week ago, was carrying 12 activists, including Thunberg and Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament. It was carrying a small amount of humanitarian aid, including rice and baby formula.
In a pre-recorded message, Thunberg said: “I urge all my friends, family and comrades to put pressure on the Swedish government to release me and the others as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, Hassan said that the crew of the Freedom Flotilla “was arrested by the Israeli army in international waters around 2 am,” she posted on X.
Challenging Blockade
Israel imposed a total blockade on Gaza on March 2, 2025 to pressure Hamas. However, it started allowing the entry of basic aid last month after mounting international pressure. Still, UN officials and humanitarian workers warn of famine unless the Israel lifts the blockade and ends its military campaign.
Last month, the Freedom Flotilla attempted to reach Gaza by sea but failed after two drones attacked its aid boat in international waters off Malta.
After seizing Madleen, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, expressed solidarity with the FFC and urged other boats to defy the Israeli blockade.
“While Madleen must be released immediately, every Mediterranean port should send boats with aid, solidarity, and humanity to Gaza. They shall sail together—united, they will be unstoppable,” she posted on X.
