Israeli Forces Seize Gaza-Bound Aid Ship Carrying Greta Thunberg

Israeli naval forces seized the humanitarian aid ship "Madleen" early Monday as it sailed through international waters toward the Gaza Strip, in a symbolic mission aimed at breaking the blockade imposed on the besieged enclave for over 17 years.

The ship was carrying 12 international activists from various countries, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and French-Palestinian human rights advocate Rima Hassan, along with journalists and representatives of humanitarian organizations. The voyage was part of the "Freedom Flotilla" initiative, which organizes maritime campaigns to support Palestinians in Gaza.

According to campaign organizers, the ship was intercepted about 200 kilometers off the coast of Gaza while still in international waters. The Israeli navy detained everyone on board and forcefully redirected the ship to Ashdod Port.

Footage from the scene showed activists raising their hands peacefully and chanting slogans, in what observers described as a “high-seas abduction.”

In response, Israeli authorities claimed that the vessel had “propagandistic, not humanitarian” intentions and stated that the interception was part of “national security procedures.” All passengers, they added, would be deported after medical checks and questioning.

The incident sparked a wave of international condemnation. France and Sweden demanded immediate clarification regarding the arrest of their nationals. Human rights groups, including Adalah and Reporters Without Borders, labeled the incident a “blatant violation of international law and an act of piracy.”

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition emphasized that the operation reflects Israel’s persistent effort to suppress any symbolic or actual attempts to expose its inhumane blockade, which affects over two million Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip. The ship was reportedly carrying only symbolic amounts of aid and basic medical supplies.

The "Madleen" remains detained in Ashdod Port, as international calls continue for the immediate release of the activists and for the respect of their rights to peaceful protest and free movement.