Israel Intercepts ‘Madleen’ Aid Ship to Gaza: Detains Greta Thunberg & 66 Activists Onboard in High-Stakes Standoff
Israeli forces intercept the ‘Madleen’ aid vessel en route to Gaza, detaining climate activist Greta Thunberg and 66 others. Tensions rise amid growing global scrutiny of humanitarian access.
In a significant escalation of tensions surrounding Gaza, Israeli naval forces intercepted the ‘Madleen,’ a British-flagged vessel carrying humanitarian aid and 12 activists, including prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg. The interception occurred approximately 200 kilometers from Gaza in international waters on June 9, 2025 .
The ‘Madleen’ was part of the June 2025 Gaza Freedom Flotilla, organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. Departing from Catania, Sicily, on June 1, the vessel aimed to deliver a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid, including baby formula, flour, diapers, medical supplies, and children’s prosthetics, to protest Israel’s blockade of Gaza and highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis .
Onboard were 12 activists from various countries, including Sweden, France, and Spain. Among them were Thunberg and French Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan. The activists intended to bring international attention to the dire situation in Gaza, where over 54,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict intensified in October 2023 .
Israeli naval forces boarded the ‘Madleen’ after deploying drones and temporarily disrupting communications. The crew was detained and taken to Ashdod, Israel, while the vessel was redirected to Israeli shores . Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the interception, stating that the vessel was directed away from a restricted area and towed to Israeli shores. The ministry noted that while most aid on board was inadequate and consumed by passengers, the remaining aid would be redirected to Gaza through official humanitarian channels .
In a pre-recorded video, Thunberg described the incident as a “kidnapping in international waters” and called for pressure on the Swedish government to secure their release . Israel’s Defense Minister labeled the effort as support for Hamas, insisting the blockade is essential for national security .
The interception has sparked widespread condemnation from governments and human rights organizations worldwide. Countries including Spain, Turkey, and Iran have accused Israel of violating international law by detaining the activists in international waters . Adalah, an Israeli rights organization, declared the seizure unlawful, demanding the crew’s immediate release .
In Australia, snap protests were organized in cities such as Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, and Adelaide. Student leaders condemned Israel’s actions and demanded the crew’s release, calling for Australia to sever diplomatic and economic ties with Israel .
The ‘Madleen’ incident is part of a broader international effort to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Previous attempts, such as the Women’s Boat to Gaza in 2016, have also been intercepted by Israeli forces. These initiatives aim to raise awareness of the humanitarian situation in Gaza and pressure for policy changes .
As of now, the detained activists are being held in Israel, with plans for their return to their home countries. The incident has intensified calls for international intervention and has brought renewed attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has vowed to continue its efforts to deliver aid and challenge the blockade, despite the risks involved.
After hours of high drama, threats from the Israeli defence minister, and the jamming of communications of the ‘Freedom Flotilla’, Madleen carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza was surrounded by Israeli forces in the Egyptian waters of Port Said under cover of darkness Monday around 2 am (5.30 am IST).
Activists on board, including Greta Thunberg and French Member of European Parliament (MEP) Rima Hassan, were detained after the Israeli forces boarded the vessel.
Madleen, carrying 12 activists from different countries, was taking flour, baby formula and crutches, among other aid, to Gaza, attempting to break Israel’s blockade of the strip in response to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
