Israeli Forces Seize Gaza Aid Boat Carrying Greta Thunberg
Israeli naval forces have intercepted and seized a humanitarian aid boat bound for Gaza, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg along with 11 others. The British-flagged yacht ‘Madleen’ was attempting to break Israel’s naval blockade on Gaza to deliver symbolic aid and raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis.
The boat was boarded in international waters around 2 a.m., according to crew member and French MEP Rima Hassan, who shared a photo showing the detained passengers with hands raised and wearing life vests.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed the boat is now under Israeli control and heading to Ashdod port. It assured the passengers were safe, had been provided with sandwiches and water, and would be returned to their home countries. It mocked the mission as a “selfie yacht” publicity stunt.
The yacht was reportedly carrying a small amount of rice and baby formula, which Israeli officials said would be transferred to Gaza via official humanitarian channels.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant called the voyage a propaganda stunt supporting Hamas, and said the activists would be shown footage of the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks once in port.
Hamas condemned the seizure as “state terrorism,” while UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese supported the Flotilla and called for more international boats to challenge the blockade.
The incident adds to growing tensions around Gaza’s blockade, which has been in place since Hamas seized control in 2007. The ongoing war has killed over 54,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health authorities, and displaced millions amid warnings of famine by the United Nations.
