Did Israel Intercept a Gaza-Bound Ship with Greta Thunberg and Rima Hassan?
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Synopsis
Israeli naval forces intercepted the humanitarian yacht Madleen, carrying Greta Thunberg and Rima Hassan, attempting to challenge the Gaza blockade. The incident has sparked controversy, with accusations of 'kidnapping' and media stunts. Thunberg's urgent plea for aid highlights ongoing tensions and humanitarian crises in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Israeli naval forces intercepted the humanitarian yacht Madleen.
- Renowned activists Greta Thunberg and Rima Hassan were onboard.
- The mission aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
- Israel criticized the initiative as a media stunt.
- Communication with the yacht was lost during the interception.
New Delhi, June 9 (NationPress) Israeli naval commandos intercepted the British-flagged humanitarian yacht Madleen, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), as it attempted to breach Israel’s long-standing naval blockade of the Gaza Strip.
Onboard were notable climate activist Greta Thunberg and Rima Hassan, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP).
In a series of posts on X, Hassan revealed that Israeli forces boarded the vessel around 2 a.m. while it was navigating in international waters.
"The crew of the Freedom Flotilla was arrested by the Israeli army in international waters around 2 a.m. Actions are coming -- stay tuned," she stated on X.
A photo shared by Hassan depicted individuals in life jackets, seated with hands raised, indicating they were detained.
The FFC confirmed through Telegram that all communication with Madleen had been severed, accusing Israeli forces of "kidnapping" the activists.
Meanwhile, Greta Thunberg shared a video urging the Swedish government to facilitate the release of the volunteers.
"If you see this video, we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by the Israeli occupational forces, or forces that support Israel. I urge all my friends, family, and comrades to put pressure on the Swedish government to release me and the others as soon as possible," she expressed in her video message.
The Madleen, which departed from Sicily, was said to be carrying humanitarian supplies, including rice and baby formula. The mission aimed to deliver aid to Gaza and challenge the Israeli naval blockade, which has existed since 2007.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the initiative, labeling the Madleen a "selfie yacht of the celebrities," and claimed the activists were engaging in a media stunt.
In a post on X, the Ministry stated, "While Greta and others attempted to stage a media provocation... more than 1,200 aid trucks have entered Gaza from Israel within the past two weeks," adding that nearly 11 million meals had been distributed in the enclave through official humanitarian channels. "There are ways to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip — they do not involve Instagram selfies," the Ministry remarked.
This incident marks the second unsuccessful attempt by the FFC to reach Gaza in recent months.
Earlier in May, the group's vessel Conscience was reportedly damaged in an alleged drone attack in international waters near Malta, a strike the FFC attributes to Israel. The Israeli government has neither confirmed nor denied involvement in that incident.
Point of View
It's imperative to present this incident without bias. The interception of the Madleen raises significant concerns regarding humanitarian access and international maritime law. While the Israeli government emphasizes existing aid channels, the activists' mission highlights ongoing debates about blockade policies and the role of international pressure in addressing humanitarian crises.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the Madleen's mission?
The Madleen aimed to deliver humanitarian supplies to Gaza, challenging Israel's naval blockade.
Who were the notable figures aboard the Madleen?
The ship carried climate activist Greta Thunberg and MEP Rima Hassan.
How did Israel respond to the interception?
Israel's Foreign Ministry dismissed the mission, labeling it a media stunt.
What accusations were made against Israeli forces?
Activists accused Israeli forces of 'kidnapping' them in international waters.
What is the historical context of the Gaza blockade?
The naval blockade has been in place since 2007, affecting humanitarian access to the region.
