Israel Seizes Gaza-Bound Ship, Detains Greta Thunberg, Others

Jorge L.
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Israel Seizes Gaza-Bound Ship, Detains Greta Thunberg, Others
photo via @gretathunberg / Instagram

Israeli naval forces took control of a British-registered ship, Madleen, on June 9 that was heading toward Gaza. The crew included 12 people, among them climate activist Greta Thunberg and French parliament member Rima Hassan.

The navy intercepted the vessel approximately 200 kilometers from Gaza, in international waters. Israeli officials said the action enforced their long-standing blockade of Gaza. Activists aboard were attempting to deliver humanitarian supplies.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organized the voyage, condemned the seizure. In their words, it was “an unlawful kidnapping of peaceful activists and parliamentarians in international waters.” In contrast, Israel’s Foreign Ministry described the mission as a “publicity stunt” and dismissed the ship as a “selfie yacht.”

The cargo included rice, formula, diapers, and medical supplies. After taking control, Israeli forces redirected the boat to Ashdod. They then transported all passengers to a detention center in Ramle. Officials stated that they plan to deport the detainees.

Facts:

  • Ship: Madleen
  • Flag: United Kingdom
  • People detained: 12
  • Location of seizure: ~200 km off Gaza
  • Intended destination: Gaza
  • Cargo: small load of humanitarian goods
  • Current status: held in Ramle, deportation pending

‘A Planned Provocation’ – Israel

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the detainees would be shown video from the October 7 Hamas attack. He called Thunberg “antisemitic” and said the operation responded to “a planned provocation.”

Since 2007, Israel has maintained a naval blockade of Gaza. Recently, it tightened restrictions even further. As a result, more than two million people in Gaza face extreme shortages of food and medicine. Aid groups report that standard delivery routes have collapsed.

In response to the detentions, France, Sweden, and Spain have demanded the release of their citizens. Meanwhile, protests have erupted in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, drawing attention to the aid mission and the worsening crisis in Gaza.

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