On June 1, 2025, Israel blocks a Gaza aid ship and detains Greta Thunberg along with other activists. The vessel, called Madleen, attempted to deliver vital humanitarian supplies, including baby formula, medical kits, and water purification tools, to the blockaded Gaza Strip.
Twelve international activists, including Greta Thunberg, actor Liam Cunningham, and French lawmaker Rima Hassan, joined the mission. Their goal was to deliver aid directly to Gaza, where civilians continue to suffer from food and medicine shortages.
Gaza: Nowhere to go, as humanitarian crisis reaches ‘dangerous
Israeli Navy Intercepts the Vessel
On June 9, Israeli naval forces intercepted the Madleen in the Mediterranean Sea as it approached the Gaza coast. Soldiers boarded the ship an.d directed it to Ashdod, a southern Israeli port.
Israel’s naval forces intercepted the Gaza aid ship Madleen on June 9, detaining Greta Thunberg and other passengers. The government said the activists attempted to break the blockade unlawfully.
Israel’s government said the activists had no permission to approach the Gaza coast and accused them of creating a media spectacle. Officials confirmed that the crew would be questioned and then returned to their home countries.
Activists Report Interference and Aggression
Before losing contact, activists on the Gaza aid ship reported aggressive actions by Israeli forces. They said drones sprayed a white substance and jammed communications. Greta Thunberg and others shared videos describing the incident.
Activist Yasmin Acar filmed the scene and showed the white powder on the deck. She said it caused pain in her eyes and disrupted visibility. Soon after, all communication from the ship stopped.
In response, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition released pre-recorded video messages. In her message, Thunberg stated that Israeli forces had taken the group from international waters.
Israel Defends Its Actions
Israel justified blocking the Gaza-bound aid ship and detaining Greta Thunberg by calling the mission unauthorized. The government accused the activists of seeking publicity rather than delivering genuine humanitarian aid.
Israel rejected all accusations and defended the interception. A statement from the Foreign Ministry said the mission lacked approval and created risks for everyone involved.
The ministry also criticized the activists for seeking publicity and ignoring official aid procedures. It published footage of the detained activists receiving food and water from Israeli personnel while wearing life vests.
Gaza Faces Worsening Humanitarian Conditions
Since March 2025, Israel has blocked almost all humanitarian supplies from entering Gaza. Although some aid now arrives in small amounts, it falls far short of the needs on the ground.
United Nations agencies have warned of a growing hunger crisis. One recent report estimated that 20 percent of Gaza’s population may face starvation if access does not improve.
Global Reaction Calls for Accountability
The detention of high-profile activists sparked international criticism. Human rights groups and political leaders around the world condemned Israel’s actions and called for the immediate release of all passengers.
Activists from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition said they knew the risks but insisted the mission was necessary. They pledged to continue sending aid by sea until the blockade ends.
More updates will follow as the situation develops.
