Israel's foreign ministry shared a photo of Greta Thunberg after the military detained everyone on the "Madleen" ship. CNN
Israel’s military stopped a ship called the “Madleen” that was carrying aid to Gaza. The ship had several well-known activists on board, including Greta Thunberg, the climate activist, and Liam Cunningham, an actor. Israel detained everyone on the ship and brought them to Israel.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), the group organizing the mission, said the “Madleen” tried to deliver help to Gaza. The region has suffered from war for over 600 days and an 11-week blockade. This blockade has blocked all aid and made life very hard for the 2.1 million people living there.
What Happened During the Interception
Israel’s Foreign Ministry shared a video showing the activists sitting calmly in orange life jackets. A soldier gave them water and sandwiches. The ministry said the ship was safely heading to Israel’s shore. They also said the passengers would soon return to their home countries.
The FFC said Israel attacked the ship in international waters. They described how drones flew around the boat spraying a white liquid and jamming communication. They also heard strange sounds on the radio. The activists filmed the white substance on the deck and said it caused eye irritation.
Before losing contact, the group posted videos of themselves with their hands raised. Greta Thunberg shared a message saying, “If you see this video, we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by the Israeli occupational forces.”
Israel’s Response
Israel called the “Madleen” a “selfie yacht” full of celebrities. The defense minister said he ordered the military to stop the flotilla from reaching Gaza. After detaining the activists, Israel said it would show them videos of Hamas attacks from October 7, 2023.
An image shared by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition shows the crew of the "Madleen" with their hands raised as Israeli forces board the ship. CNN
The Foreign Ministry said the group wanted media attention and that there are legal ways to send aid to Gaza. They called the ship’s actions dangerous and illegal.
The Humanitarian Situation in Gaza
Gaza faces a serious crisis. Israel has kept a strict blockade since March 2, 2025, blocking food, medicine, and aid. This blockade has pushed the people of Gaza toward hunger and famine. The United Nations warned that many people could starve if aid does not reach them soon.
Some aid has come in recently, but it is very little compared to what Gaza needs. The humanitarian groups say the situation is worsening, and many people struggle for basic supplies.
Reactions and Risks
Hamas demanded Israel release the detained activists. They called the interception a violation of international law and an attack on peaceful volunteers.
The “Madleen” was part of a group trying to break the blockade by boat. The activists used an online tracker to show their ship’s location but lost contact after Israel stopped the ship.
Greta Thunberg said the mission was risky. She warned that previous flotillas faced violence and danger, including deaths.
Last month, another aid ship from the same group said it was attacked by a drone near Malta. Israel did not confirm this.
The “Madleen” left Sicily last Friday to bring aid to Gaza. This latest interception shows the high tensions and difficulties in delivering help to the people living under blockade.
