Israel Detains Greta Thunberg and Others on Gaza Aid Boat

Jorge L.
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Israel Detains Greta Thunberg and Others on Gaza Aid Boat
photo via @gretathunberg / Instagram

The Israeli navy intercepted a British-flagged vessel, Madleen, on June 9 as it attempted to deliver aid to Gaza. The crew included 12 people, among them climate activist Greta Thunberg and French parliament member Rima Hassan. Forces detained all on board after stopping the ship in international waters approximately 200 kilometers from Gaza.

The vessel carried rice, baby formula, medical kits, and other basic supplies. Organizers from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition described the mission as symbolic, designed to highlight the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Following the interception, Israeli authorities redirected the vessel to Ashdod and transferred the detainees to Ramle. Officials have confirmed that deportation proceedings are underway.

Key details:

  • Ship: Madleen
  • People detained: 12, including Greta Thunberg and Rima Hassan
  • Location: international waters, ~200 km from Gaza
  • Cargo: symbolic humanitarian items
  • Current status: detainees held in Ramle awaiting deportation

The organizers labeled their journey a “peaceful humanitarian mission.” However, Israel’s Foreign Ministry rejected that claim, calling the vessel a “selfie yacht” and asserting that the trip breached the naval blockade.

Israel’s Defense Minister stated that officials would show the detainees video footage of the October 7 Hamas attacks. He accused Thunberg of antisemitism and framed the incident as “a planned provocation.”

Meanwhile, France, Sweden, and Spain have demanded the release of their citizens. Protests supporting the activists have taken place in multiple cities, including Sydney.

Gaza remains under siege. With land, air, and sea routes blocked, humanitarian aid deliveries have nearly stopped. As a result, roughly two million people in the area now face severe hunger and limited access to medical care.

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