Israeli Forces Kidnap Greta Thunberg and Activists from Gaza-Bound Aid Ship
Israeli naval forces intercepted the Gaza-bound aid vessel Madleen late Sunday, detaining 12 individuals, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, French-Palestinian EU parliamentarian Rima Hassan, and Al Jazeera Mubasher journalist Omar Faiad.
The 18-meter sailing boat, organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, aimed to deliver critical supplies to Gaza, where a blockade has severely restricted humanitarian aid.
The interception in international waters has sparked accusations of state piracy and violations of international law, with activists and observers condemning Israel’s actions as an attempt to suppress the mission’s humanitarian objectives.
Interception and Detainment in International Waters
The Madleen, which set sail from Catania, Italy, on June 1, was carrying baby formula, flour, rice, diapers, women’s sanitary products, water desalination kits, medical supplies, crutches, and children’s prosthetics.
According to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, Israeli naval commandos surrounded the vessel, ordering the crew to raise their hands and turn off their phones.
Communication with the ship was lost shortly after.
UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, who was in contact with the captain, reported hearing Israeli soldiers in the background before the line was cut.
“I lost connection with the captain as he was telling me that another boat is approaching,” Albanese said.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed the vessel was redirected to Ashdod port, dismissing it as a “selfie yacht” and a “media gimmick” carrying minimal aid.
The interception followed a series of intimidating maneuvers.
Activists reported four vessels, two with blue lights, approaching within 200 meters of the Madleen, approximately 100 miles from Gaza.
Two drones, described as quadcopters, hovered overhead, dropping a white paint-like substance that caused burning sensations in the crew’s eyes.
“Communications are jammed and disturbing sounds are being played over the radio,” the Freedom Flotilla Coalition noted on Instagram.
Brazilian activist Thiago Avila, in a prerecorded video, stated, “If you’re watching this, I’ve been kidnapped… we count on you,” urging supporters to pressure governments for their release.
Humanitarian Mission Amid Gaza’s Crisis
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s mission sought to challenge Israel’s blockade on Gaza, which has led to severe shortages of essential goods.
Turkish activist Huseyin Suayb emphasized the symbolic yet critical nature of the mission, stating, “Our goal is to end this blockade to allow the real aid waiting at the border to enter as soon as possible, to achieve a ceasefire, and to stop the bombings.”
The Israeli Foreign Ministry claimed that humanitarian aid is already being delivered to Gaza through established channels, a statement contradicted by reports of at least 13 Palestinians killed and over 150 injured on Sunday while seeking aid, amid ongoing restrictions.
The Madleen’s crew, comprising 11 activists and one journalist from countries including Sweden, France, Germany, Brazil, Türkiye, Spain, and the Netherlands, viewed their mission as a legal and moral imperative.
EU parliamentarian Rima Hassan told Al Jazeera
We have a moral, legal, and political obligation to assist a population that’s starving, suffering through a genocide, and total annihilation for over a year and a half.
Rima Hassan.
The vessel’s interception has drawn criticism for violating international law, with Mouin Rabbani of the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies calling it “an act of state piracy” and a breach of International Court of Justice orders for unhindered aid delivery to Gaza.
International Law and Global Silence
The interception has raised concerns about violations of international maritime law and humanitarian principles.
Adil Haque, a law professor at Rutgers University, condemned Israel’s actions, noting that the Madleen was registered in the United Kingdom, a member of the International Criminal Court.
“Outrages upon personal dignity, in particular humiliating and degrading treatment, are a war crime,” Haque said, referencing Israel’s dismissive social media posts about the crew.
Francesca Albanese challenged Israel’s authority over Gaza’s maritime zone, stating, “Israel has no authority over Gaza. This is the thing. Israel needs to end the siege.”
The silence from the crew’s respective governments has drawn sharp criticism.
Rabbani remarked:
If any other state had sent its military forces to seize a small civilian boat carrying 12 unarmed civilians to deliver food, baby formula and crutches to a besieged population, it would immediately be recognised for the act of state piracy that it indisputably is
Mouin Rabbani.
As the Madleen’s crew remains detained, the incident underscores the ongoing challenges of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and the broader geopolitical tensions surrounding Israel’s blockade.