Israeli Forces Stop Gaza-Bound Boat with Greta Thunberg Aboard
Greta Thunberg detained Gaza as Israeli forces seized a Gaza-bound aid boat and held her with other activists on board. The move enforces Israel’s tight blockade of the Palestinian territory as war with Hamas continues to escalate.
Activists Attempt to Break the Blockade
The boat, Madleen, carried 12 international activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg and French MEP Rima Hassan. The group was organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which said the mission aimed to deliver baby formula, food, and medical supplies directly to Gaza.
“The ship was unlawfully boarded… its life-saving cargo confiscated,” the group said in a statement, accusing Israel of kidnapping its civilian crew.
A Week-Long Journey Interrupted
The boat departed from Sicily on June 1, 2025. Along the route, the activists rescued four migrants attempting to flee detention by the Libyan coast guard.
In a pre-recorded message, Thunberg urged pressure on the Swedish government for her and others’ release.
Israel Labels Voyage a ‘Stunt’
Israel’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the voyage as a “public relations stunt.” Officials released photos showing activists receiving water and sandwiches while detained on board, calling it the “selfie yacht” of international celebrities.
The activists were expected to be deported, and aid rerouted via official Israeli channels.
A Growing Blockade During the Conflict
Israel has maintained a tight siege of Gaza since Hamas-led terrorists invaded southern Israel on October 7, 2023. All aid was first blocked. Under pressure from the United States, some supplies have returned, but international organizations issue starvation warnings.
“The war has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians,” according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Vast parts of Gaza are destroyed, with 90% of the population displaced.
Failed Past Efforts
This is not the first attempt by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. Last month, a different vessel was attacked by drones in international waters, which the group blamed on Israel.
🇵🇸 Gaza: A Humanitarian Flashpoint
Israel and Egypt have blockaded Gaza since 2007, citing security concerns over Hamas. Critics, however, call it collective punishment.
Israel claims it must continue operations until all hostages are freed and Hamas is disarmed or removed. Negotiations for a truce remain stalled.
Source: AP News