“Israel has intercepted a British-flagged aid ship bound for Gaza carrying Greta Thunberg and other international activists, citing a legal blockade and accusing the group of aiding Hamas propaganda.”
GAZA — Israeli forces intercepted the Gaza-bound aid vessel Madleen on Monday, kidnapping climate activist Greta Thunberg and others attempting to breach the naval blockade in a symbolic humanitarian mission.
The Madleen, flagged in the U.K. and organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, departed Sicily carrying a small shipment of aid and high-profile passengers including Brazilian politician Thiago Ávila, French MEP Rima Hassan, and French doctor Baptiste André. The group sought to draw attention to what Thunberg described as a “live-streamed genocide” in Gaza.
Israel, which has maintained a naval blockade on Gaza since 2007 to prevent arms smuggling by Hamas, said the Madleen was being redirected to Israeli shores. The Foreign Ministry confirmed the passengers would be deported.
The interception followed signal jamming and multiple warnings by the Israeli Navy. Video from the scene shows the boat surrounded, with loudspeaker announcements directing the vessel to divert to Ashdod for aid delivery.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz accused Thunberg of supporting Hamas and pledged to block the ship “by any means necessary.”
More than 54,000 Palestinians have died in Israel’s campaign since Hamas’ October 2023 attack. Critics say the blockade has left Gaza at severe risk of famine.