Israeli Forces Intercept Gaza-Bound Aid Vessel Carrying Greta Thunberg

Israeli forces seized control of the British-flagged yacht Madleen early Sunday as it attempted to break the longstanding naval blockade of the Gaza Strip. The vessel, part of the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), carried 12 passengers, including climate activist Greta Thunberg and French MEP Rima Hassan. It aimed to deliver symbolic humanitarian aid—such as rice and baby formula—and raise awareness of Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

The FFC reported that the yacht was intercepted in international waters around 2 a.m., posting a photo of the crew with hands raised, wearing life jackets. The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed the vessel is en route to an Israeli port and stated all passengers are safe and provided with food and water. “The ‘selfie yacht’ of the ‘celebrities’ is safely making its way to Israel,” the ministry wrote on X, labeling the mission as a propaganda stunt in support of Hamas.

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered the military to stop the yacht, stressing the importance of the blockade, which has been in place since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007. Israel maintains the blockade is necessary to prevent weapons smuggling, while critics say it has worsened Gaza’s humanitarian conditions.

The ongoing conflict, sparked by Hamas’ deadly October 7, 2023 attack that killed over 1,200 Israelis, has led to massive casualties in Gaza. According to Gaza’s health ministry, more than 54,000 Palestinians have died, and the UN warns of imminent famine among the enclave’s 2 million residents.

UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese voiced support for the flotilla and called for continued global action, urging more boats to challenge the blockade. “The mission isn’t over,” she stated on social media.