Israeli forces seized the 'Madleen,' a Gaza-bound aid boat carrying Greta Thunberg and other activists, in international waters on Monday. The activists, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, were protesting Israel's blockade of Gaza and restrictions on humanitarian aid, which they claim has put 2 million Palestinians at risk of famine. Israel called it a 'public relations stunt.'
Israel detains Greta Thunberg, other activists on Gaza aid boat
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Israeli forces seized the 'Madleen,' a Gaza-bound aid boat carrying Greta Thunberg and other activists, in international waters on Monday. The activists, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, were protesting Israel's blockade of Gaza and restrictions on humanitarian aid, which they claim has put 2 million Palestinians at risk of famine. Israel called it a 'public relations stunt.'
Trending- 1 October 7, 2023: The Hamas-led attack on southern Israel ignited the war; Israel sealed off Gaza.
- 2 Early March (2025): Israel again blocked all imports to Gaza.
- 3 Last month (May 2025): Another Freedom Flotilla vessel was attacked off Malta.
- 4 A week ago (approx. June 2, 2025): The 'Madleen' set sail from Sicily.
- 5 Thursday (approx. June 5, 2025): The 'Madleen' stopped to rescue four migrants.
- 6 Early Monday (2025-06-09): Israeli forces seized the 'Madleen'.
- Detention of Greta Thunberg and other activists.
- Confiscation of aid cargo.
- International condemnation from Adalah and calls for release from the French President.
- Continued enforcement of Israel's blockade on Gaza.
- Heightened tensions and public debate regarding humanitarian aid to Gaza and the blockade.
What: Israeli forces seized a Gaza-bound aid boat, the 'Madleen,' carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg and other activists, in international waters. The activists were detained and the aid confiscated.
When: Early Monday (2025-06-09). The boat set sail from Sicily a week ago. Last month, another Freedom Flotilla vessel was attacked. Israel sealed off Gaza in the early days of the war (October 7, 2023).
Where: International waters (about 200 kilometers from Gaza), off southern Israel's coast. The boat was taken to Ashdod port. Activists are expected to be held in Ramle, Israel. The voyage started from Sicily. A previous attempt involved Malta. The destination was the Gaza Strip.
Why: Activists aimed to protest Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza and its restrictions on humanitarian aid, which they argue are causing famine. Israel states the blockade is needed to prevent Hamas from importing arms and views the flotilla as a PR stunt.
How: Israeli forces boarded and seized the 'Madleen' in international waters, then escorted it to an Israeli port, detaining the activists on board.