IRIA News

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Israeli authorities have confirmed that Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and 11 others aboard the Gaza-bound aid ship Madleen are being deported after their vessel was intercepted in international waters and towed to Ashdod.

The 12 activists had set sail from Italy on June 1 under the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) and were on a mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The territory is facing a growing humanitarian catastrophe, with the United Nations warning that its entire population is at imminent risk of famine amid an ongoing Israeli blockade.

The vessel Madleen was intercepted roughly 185 kilometers (115 miles) off the coast of Gaza, in international waters. A video released by the activists shortly before the interception showed them with their hands raised as Israeli naval forces boarded the ship. “Nobody was injured,” one activist stated in the video.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced on June 10, 2025, “The passengers of the ‘Selfie Yacht’ arrived at Ben Gurion airport to depart from Israel and return to their home countries. Those who refuse to sign deportation documents and leave Israel will be brought before a judicial authority.”

Among the detained were Thunberg, journalist Omar Fayyad, and a group of six French nationals. French President Emmanuel Macron has called for the swift return of French nationals to France, with a presidential official confirming France’s direct request to Israel.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition reported that all individuals on board were “being processed and transferred into the custody of Israeli authorities” and “may be permitted to fly out of Tel Aviv as early as tonight.”

Greta Thunberg accuses Israel of kidnapping her and fellow aid boat crew

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, who was one of 12 pro-Palestinian activists on board the Madleen, landed in Paris on Tuesday morning after being deported by the Israeli authorities.

Thunberg, 22, accused Israeli forces of boarding a yacht carrying aid to Gaza while it was in international waters. “I was very clear in my testimony that we were kidnapped on international water and brought against our will into Israel,” she said.

Reporter: “Why do you think so many countries and governments around the world are just ignoring what’s happening in Gaza?”

Greta Thunberg: “Because of racism.”

The Swedish activist spoke to reporters after landing in France, following her abduction by Israeli forces in… pic.twitter.com/iKqrgGd2mw

— Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) June 10, 2025

Speaking in Paris en route to her home country of Sweden, Thunberg called for the release of the other activists who were detained aboard the Madleen. “We were very well aware of the risks. Many flotillas have been intercepted before reaching Gaza. We were 12 peaceful volunteers bringing humanitarian aid through international waters, we did nothing wrong. We do not accept that we entered the country illegally,” she added.

She added that the Madleen had aimed to “break the siege and open a humanitarian corridor” to Gaza. Israel has enforced a strict land, air, and sea blockade on Gaza, citing security concerns and the need to prevent arms from reaching Hamas militants. While limited food supplies are allowed in through an Israel-backed private group, the UN has warned the war and siege have pushed the Gaza enclave to the brink of “full-blown famine”.

Symbolic Importance of Freedom Flotilla

The FFC emphasized that the mission was intended to be symbolic, drawing global attention to Gaza’s humanitarian crisis rather than significantly altering it through the shipment of goods. Nonetheless, the incident has triggered widespread condemnation and diplomatic fallout.

Turkey’s Foreign Ministry described Israel’s actions as a “heinous attack,” while Iran labeled it “a form of piracy” committed in international waters.

In addition to the Madleen incident, tensions flared further on Monday when Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least 60 Palestinians, including 14 people near the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid center in Rafah, according to Gaza’s civil defense.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have defended the blockade on Gaza, citing the need to prevent arms smuggling by Hamas and other militant factions. “The naval blockade on Gaza is necessary to stop the importation of weapons by Palestinian militants,” Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said.

A Pattern of Escalation

This is not the first time that humanitarian convoys aiming to break the Gaza blockade have been intercepted. In May, another FFC vessel, Conscience, was reportedly damaged in international waters near Malta. Activists suspected an Israeli drone attack, although Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement.

Human rights organizations and legal groups have intervened following Monday’s interception. Adalah, an Israeli NGO providing legal aid to the country’s Arab population, confirmed that the activists aboard the Madleen had requested their services and were likely to be taken to a detention center before deportation proceedings.

International law experts have raised concerns about the legality of Israel’s actions in international waters, particularly given the symbolic nature of the aid mission. Critics argue that boarding a civilian ship in such circumstances without an imminent threat may contravene maritime law.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate rapidly. While Israel recently allowed a limited resumption of aid deliveries following a two-month blockade, humanitarian organizations remain critical of the overall effort.

The newly formed, U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) was created to streamline and monitor aid distribution. However, the United Nations has refused to work with the GHF, citing concerns over its practices and neutrality. “Dozens of people have been killed near GHF distribution points since late May,” Gaza’s civil defense reported.

On land, a separate symbolic protest is also underway. A nine-bus convoy carrying international activists left Tunisia on Monday to reach Gaza. Organizers stressed that the convoy is not carrying aid but rather attempting a “symbolic act” to challenge the blockade. The route includes Libya and Egypt, though Egypt has yet to issue transit permits, according to a participant.

What’s next for the activists?

The future of Madleen’s 12 passengers remains uncertain. While most are expected to be deported within hours, Israeli authorities have warned that any refusal to cooperate with deportation proceedings could lead to court action.

Despite Israeli warnings and international pushback, activists remain defiant. Speaking to reporters earlier this week, one campaigner declared, “We will continue to challenge this blockade, which has brought nothing but misery and death to innocent civilians.”

While Madleen’s mission may not have succeeded in delivering aid, it has reignited international debate over Israel’s blockade of Gaza, the legality of its naval enforcement, and the broader moral and political dimensions of the humanitarian crisis.

As diplomatic pressure mounts and tensions continue to escalate, the region stands at yet another critical crossroads, one where humanitarian concerns, international law, and military strategy intersect in increasingly volatile ways.