The humanitarian vessel, part of the Freedom Flotilla, was carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg and other pro-Palestinian supporters before Israeli forces intervened in international waters.
Jerusalem/Gaza – June 9, 2025:
In a dramatic overnight operation, Israeli naval commandos intercepted the Gaza-bound humanitarian vessel Madleen, which was carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg and several other international campaigners from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC). The operation occurred around 2 a.m. in international waters, according to statements from onboard activists and the group organizing the mission.
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Rima Hassan, a Member of the European Parliament and one of the participants, posted a photo showing passengers on the deck in life jackets with their hands raised—reportedly during the raid. The image quickly went viral on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), drawing global attention and sparking diplomatic ripples.
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The Madleen was part of the Freedom Flotilla, an activist-led initiative aimed at breaking the Israeli blockade of Gaza and delivering humanitarian aid. In a brief statement shared on the Telegram app, the FFC said:
“Connection has been lost on the Madleen. We are concerned for the safety of all those aboard.”
The Israeli Defence Ministry later confirmed the interception, stating the move was essential to prevent potential arms smuggling into the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. Defence Minister Israel Katz earlier warned that Israel would “take all necessary measures” to stop the ship from reaching its destination.
“The Gaza blockade is a security necessity. No unauthorized vessel will be allowed to breach it,” the IDF spokesperson added in a brief.
Background and Fallout
Greta Thunberg, a globally recognized voice on climate action, had recently shifted focus to global humanitarian issues, drawing attention to crises in Gaza and Sudan. Her involvement in the flotilla was part of a broader call by international civil society groups to highlight the ongoing humanitarian situation in the besieged Palestinian enclave.
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The interception marks a significant diplomatic flashpoint, especially given the participation of European officials and high-profile international activists. While Israel maintains the blockade is a counterterrorism tool, critics argue it violates international humanitarian law and worsens conditions for Gaza’s 2.2 million residents.
Calls are now growing for independent verification of the conditions onboard and for the immediate release of all civilians, including elected officials.
This is not the first time the Freedom Flotilla has clashed with Israeli forces. The most infamous incident occurred in 2010 when Israeli commandos boarded the Mavi Marmara, resulting in the deaths of 10 activists and an international outcry.
With communications from the Madleen now lost, global eyes remain fixed on the eastern Mediterranean for further developments.
Tags:
Greta Thunberg, Freedom Flotilla, Gaza blockade, Israel-Palestine conflict, Rima Hassan, Israeli commandos, humanitarian aid, international waters, Gaza crisis, Madleen ship