All passengers were safe and unharmed, the Israeli foreign ministry said later.
JERUSALEM, June 9, 2025 — Prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg was detained by Israeli authorities early Monday, along with a group of international activists, after their humanitarian aid vessel was intercepted and diverted to Israel. The incident has drawn global attention, with organizers describing the operation as a “kidnapping” in international waters, while Israeli officials maintain it was a lawful enforcement of maritime restrictions.
Aid Voyage Interrupted
The vessel, named Madleen and registered under a British flag, departed from Sicily last week as part of a mission organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. The group aimed to deliver essential supplies—such as food, baby formula, and medical equipment—to a region facing severe humanitarian challenges. Among the passengers were 12 activists from various countries, including Thunberg and French Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan. During their journey, the crew also rescued four migrants stranded at sea.
Intercepted in International Waters
According to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the Madleen was intercepted in international waters off the coast of Egypt. Activists reported that Israeli naval commandos surrounded the ship, deployed drones, and sprayed a white paint-like substance onto the deck. Communications with the vessel were disrupted, and unsettling sounds were broadcast over the radio system.
Images released by the organizers showed the activists in life jackets with their hands raised, though no Israeli personnel appeared in the photographs.
Competing Perspectives
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition described the boarding as an unlawful act, stating, “The ship was unlawfully boarded, its unarmed civilian crew abducted, and its life-saving cargo confiscated.” Greta Thunberg, in a pre-recorded message, said, “If you see this, we have been intercepted in international waters,” urging Swedish authorities to intervene for their release.
Israeli officials, however, described the operation as a necessary measure to enforce maritime regulations. The Foreign Ministry said the vessel and its passengers were being brought safely to Israel and would be returned to their home countries. The humanitarian aid on board would be transferred through established channels.
Defense Minister Israel Katz dismissed the activists’ mission as a publicity stunt and said the passengers would be shown footage of recent atrocities upon arrival in Israel.
International Response and Context
This incident comes amid heightened tensions and a worsening humanitarian situation in the region, where aid deliveries are subject to strict controls by Israeli authorities. Previous attempts by activist flotillas to breach maritime restrictions have led to confrontations, including a deadly raid in 2010.
Supporters of the mission argue that such efforts are vital to draw attention to the plight of civilians and the limitations on humanitarian access. Israeli authorities insist that aid must be delivered through official, coordinated channels to prevent support for hostile groups.
As of Monday afternoon, Thunberg and the other activists remained in Israeli custody, with international observers and human rights organizations closely monitoring the situation for further development
