An aid boat, the Madleen, carrying Greta Thunberg and 11 other activists from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was stopped and detained by Israeli forces in international waters while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The activists were taken to Ashdod, undergoing medical checks, and are expected to be held in Ramle before deportation. Israel views the voyage as a public relations stunt, while activists and legal groups condemn it as a serious breach of international law and an abduction. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about Israel's blockade of Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there.
Israeli forces halt Gaza-bound aid boat, detain Greta Thunberg and other activists
2025Israel-Hamas tensionsMiddle East crisisCivilians in GazaGeopoliticsIsraelHamasUnited NationsDonald TrumpEmmanuel MacronGreta ThunbergMaria Malmer StenergardRima HassanBlockadesHumanitarian crisesFamineWar and unrest
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️An aid boat, the Madleen, carrying Greta Thunberg and 11 other activists from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was stopped and detained by Israeli forces in international waters while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The activists were taken to Ashdod, undergoing medical checks, and are expected to be held in Ramle before deportation. Israel views the voyage as a public relations stunt, while activists and legal groups condemn it as a serious breach of international law and an abduction. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about Israel's blockade of Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there.
Trending- 1 2007: Israel and Egypt impose varying degrees of blockade on Gaza after Hamas seized power
- 2 Oct. 7, 2023: Hamas-led attack on southern Israel ignites war, leading to tightened blockade
- 3 Last month: Another Freedom Flotilla vessel attacked by drones off Malta
- 4 A week ago (from June 9, 2025): Madleen sets sail from Sicily
- 5 Thursday (prior to June 9, 2025): Madleen stops to rescue four migrants
- 6 Monday (June 9, 2025): Israeli forces halt Madleen, detain activists; boat arrives in Ashdod
- 7 Next week: French President Emmanuel Macron co-hosts conference at UN on two-state solution
- Activists detained and expected to be deported
- Aid cargo confiscated
- Condemnation from activists and legal groups, citing serious breach of international law and abduction
- Increased international attention on Gaza blockade and humanitarian crisis
- French President calls for ceasefire and lifting of blockade
- Ongoing famine risk in Gaza due to aid restrictions
- Continued deadlock in truce efforts between Israel and Hamas
- Over 54,000 Palestinians killed in military campaign
- Vast areas of Gaza destroyed and 90% of population displaced
What: Israeli forces stopped and detained a Gaza-bound aid boat (Madleen) carrying Greta Thunberg and 11 other activists. The boat was seized in international waters, and its cargo (baby formula, food, medical supplies) confiscated. The activists were taken to an Israeli port, underwent medical checks, and are expected to be held and deported.
When: Monday (June 9, 2025) evening; the boat set sail from Sicily a week prior. The incident occurs amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, which ignited on Oct. 7, 2023.
Where: International waters (about 200 kilometres from Gaza), Ashdod (Israeli port), Ramle (detention facility in Israel), Gaza Strip, Sicily, Malta (where another vessel was attacked), southern Israel (site of Oct. 7 attack).
Why: Activists aimed to protest Israel's ongoing military campaign in the Gaza Strip and its restrictions on humanitarian aid, which have put Palestinians at risk of famine. Israel states the blockade is needed to prevent Hamas from importing arms and viewed the voyage as a public relations stunt.
How: Israeli navy accompanied the boat to Ashdod. The activists were detained. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition organized the voyage. Israel's Foreign Ministry used social media to comment. French President Emmanuel Macron called for consular protection and repatriation of French citizens aboard.