Israeli naval forces intercepted the Madleen, a British-flagged vessel operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), in international waters early Monday, June 9, as it approached Gaza with humanitarian aid and 12 activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.
The Israeli military confirmed the operation, stating that the ship was being diverted to the port of Ashdod and that all passengers were “safe and unharmed”. However, activists aboard the vessel have decried the interception as “unlawful” and tantamount to “kidnapping”.
The Madleen, which departed from Catania, Sicily, on June 1, was carrying a symbolic cargo of humanitarian aid, including rice, baby formula, medical supplies, and hygiene products, aimed at highlighting Gaza’s dire humanitarian crisis amid Israel’s ongoing naval blockade.
The FFC, a pro-Palestinian nonprofit, stated that the vessel was approximately 160 nautical miles from Gaza when Israeli forces boarded it around 3:02 a.m. CET. Activists reported that communication signals were jammed, drones sprayed an irritant substance on the deck, and loud noises disrupted their radio before boarding.
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 forces,” urging supporters to pressure the Swedish government for their release.
Among the detained activists are French-Palestinian European Parliament member Rima Hassan, Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham, and Brazilian activist Thiago Avila.
The FFC condemned the interception as a “flagrant violation of international law”, asserting that Israel has no jurisdiction over a UK-flagged vessel in international waters.
Hamas echoed the sentiment, demanding the activists’ immediate release and calling the action an “attack on civilian volunteers”.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry labelled the Madleen a “selfie yacht” carrying “celebrities” and claimed the interception was necessary to enforce a naval blockade aimed at preventing Hamas from importing arms.
The ministry stated that the “tiny amount of aid” on board would be transferred to Gaza through “real humanitarian channels” and that the activists would be deported to their home countries.
Defence Minister Israel Katz, who ordered the operation, described the flotilla as a “propaganda effort” supporting Hamas and instructed the military to screen videos of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on the activists upon arrival at Ashdod.
The interception has sparked an international outcry, with the Palestinian Foreign Ministry calling for the protection of the activists’ safety and UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese labelling the action “unlawful”.
Locals reflect public anger, with some people calling the boarding a violation of maritime law, though Israel maintains its actions were legal to uphold the blockade.
The incident follows a previous FFC attempt in May, when another vessel, the Conscience, was reportedly damaged by Israeli drones off Malta, an allegation Israel has not addressed.
The Madleen’s journey also included a detour on June 5 to rescue four migrants off Libya’s coast. As Gaza faces a worsening hunger crisis after an 11-week total blockade, humanitarian groups warn of imminent famine, with at least 110 Palestinians killed since late May while seeking aid at distribution points.
The detained activists are expected to be processed in Israel, with their release and deportation pending. The FFC vows to continue its efforts, with organisers calling for more ships to challenge the blockade.
The international community, including France and the UK, is closely monitoring the situation amid escalating diplomatic tensions.
