Muzaffarabad, June 9, 2025 — In a dramatic and controversial move, Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound aid ship named “Madleen”, which was carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg and several other high-profile international activists. The vessel was detained in international waters and forcibly taken to Israel, where all passengers were held for questioning.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), the group organizing the mission, denounced Israel’s action as an unlawful attack and a blatant violation of international law. The “Madleen” was attempting to deliver essential humanitarian aid — including baby formula, food supplies, and medical equipment — to the Gaza Strip, which has been subjected to a stringent Israeli blockade for over 11 weeks. This blockade, amid more than 600 days of ongoing conflict, has worsened Gaza’s already dire humanitarian crisis, pushing its 2.1 million residents deeper into hunger and deprivation.
Details of the Interception and Detainment
Israel’s Foreign Ministry released statements early Monday, confirming that the “Madleen” was intercepted at sea and escorted to the shores of Israel. The ministry shared videos showing activists, including Greta Thunberg, sitting together in orange life jackets while being offered water and food by Israeli soldiers. Despite Israel’s assurances of humane treatment, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition labeled the incident a hostile boarding and kidnapping, describing how their vessel was subjected to aggressive tactics.
The FFC reported via Telegram that Israeli forces used quadcopters around the ship that sprayed a white paint-like substance on the deck, which reportedly caused eye irritation among crew members. Communications with the ship were jammed, and disturbing noises were broadcast over the radio. A video posted by the Israeli Foreign Ministry showed a naval staffer warning the crew that the maritime zone off Gaza’s coast was closed. This, however, was contested by the FFC and human rights advocates as illegal interference in international waters.
Voices from Onboard: Greta Thunberg and Activists Respond
In pre-recorded videos released after communication was lost, Greta Thunberg said, “If you see this video, we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by the Israeli occupational forces, or forces that support Israel.” Other activists echoed these sentiments, asserting that the mission was purely humanitarian and nonviolent.
Activist Yasmin Acar livestreamed footage from the ship showing the mysterious white substance on the deck and described the adverse effects it had on her eyes. The activists were eventually detained upon arrival at Ashdod port, Israel, where they were subjected to screenings and video presentations of Hamas attacks on Israel from October 7, 2023, as per Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz’s instructions.
Human Rights Concerns and International Law
Human rights lawyer and Freedom Flotilla organizer Huwaida Arraf condemned the seizure of the “Madleen,” stating that Israel lacked any legal authority to detain international volunteers. She said the interception violated binding rulings from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) mandating unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza.
The Israeli government, meanwhile, dismissed the flotilla as a “selfie yacht” carrying celebrities seeking media attention. Israel’s Foreign Ministry accused the activists of attempting to stage a media provocation and insisted that aid can be delivered through authorized humanitarian channels, rather than “Instagram selfies.”
Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis: A Context to the Aid Mission
Since March 2, 2025, Israel has maintained a full humanitarian blockade on Gaza, cutting off food, medical supplies, and other essential goods. This has led to a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation for Gaza’s population of over 2 million. The United Nations has repeatedly warned that Gaza is facing a looming famine, with one in five residents at risk of starvation.
Although Israel began allowing a limited flow of aid into Gaza in late May, humanitarian organizations argue that the volume remains far below pre-conflict levels. New aid distribution mechanisms, including a US-backed group named the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), have struggled to meet the enormous need and have faced deadly violence during attempts to distribute supplies.
The Freedom Flotilla’s mission to break the blockade by sea is part of ongoing efforts to challenge Israel’s restrictions and highlight the humanitarian crisis.
Reactions and Protests in Israel and Beyond
After the detention of the activists, approximately 15 demonstrators protested in Ashdod city, Israel, demanding the immediate release of the “Madleen” passengers. Protest signs read “Resist Genocide,” “Release the Madleen Activists Now,” and “Stop State Terror.” Such public protests are rare in Israel since the war’s escalation in 2023.
However, the protest was met with hostility by some Israelis. A passerby shouted in Hebrew accusing protesters of being “bullies” and “hooligans,” reflecting the deep divisions within Israeli society regarding the Gaza conflict.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition: History of Defiance
The “Madleen” is the latest in a series of vessels organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition aimed at breaking the Israeli blockade of Gaza by delivering humanitarian aid via the sea. Last month, another flotilla ship called the “Conscience” was reportedly targeted by a drone attack off Malta in international waters — an incident claimed by organizers but not confirmed by Israeli authorities.
The “Madleen” set sail from Sicily last Friday, with activists publicly sharing the ship’s location through an online tracker until the moment communications were lost.
The Bigger Picture: War and Blockade in Gaza
The conflict that began over 600 days ago continues to take a heavy toll on Gaza’s civilians. Israel’s blockade and the ongoing war have left millions trapped without adequate access to food, medicine, and basic services. The international community has raised urgent calls for humanitarian access, yet the blockade persists.
Israel’s official stance is that the blockade and restrictions are necessary for its security, especially to prevent weapons smuggling to Hamas and other militant groups.
The interception of the “Madleen” and detention of Greta Thunberg and other activists has once again thrust the Gaza blockade and humanitarian crisis into the global spotlight. While Israel maintains it is enforcing security measures and legal protocols, activists and human rights groups decry the action as unlawful and inhumane.
As Gaza’s humanitarian situation worsens, missions like the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s efforts symbolize ongoing international frustration with the blockade and the desperate call for urgent aid to reach those in need.
