Climate activist Greta Thunberg and several other high-profile volunteers were detained by Israeli forces after their Gaza aid ship was intercepted in international waters. The group, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was attempting to deliver food, medicine, and baby formula to Gaza amid an escalating humanitarian crisis.
Aid Mission Turns Confrontation at Sea
The vessel, Madleen, was en route from Sicily and nearing Gaza’s coast when it was surrounded by Israeli naval forces. Drones hovered overhead, communications were jammed, and a white substance was dropped on deck. The activists reported disturbing radio interference as the Israeli military boarded the ship and redirected it to Ashdod Port in Israel.
Humanitarian Intent or Media Stunt?
Israel’s Foreign Ministry described the ship as a “selfie yacht” and dismissed the voyage as a publicity stunt. Meanwhile, video footage released by Israel showed detained activists, including Thunberg, being handed sandwiches and water.
The ministry claimed the group violated a blockade zone and promised to deliver the confiscated aid through “approved humanitarian channels.”
Activists Speak Out from Detention
In a pre-recorded video released by the Freedom Flotilla after losing contact with the vessel, Thunberg stated:
“If you’re seeing this, we’ve been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by Israeli occupational forces.”
Human rights attorney Huwaida Arraf called the seizure unlawful, arguing it violated international law and the International Court of Justice’s recent order to allow unrestricted humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Gaza’s Crisis Deepens Amid Global Outcry
Gaza, home to over 2.1 million people, has suffered from 11 weeks of complete aid blockade. A UN-backed report warns that 1 in 5 Gazans face starvation, and new aid efforts have been met with danger.
In recent weeks, dozens of Palestinians were killed while attempting to collect aid from new distribution points, highlighting growing instability in the region.
What’s Next for the Activists?
Israel stated that the detained activists would be deported to their home countries. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant ordered that they be shown footage of the October 7 Hamas attacks, suggesting an attempt to reframe their mission.
Despite the backlash, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition insists its work will continue:
“This mission was never about selfies. It’s about solidarity and saving lives.”
