A vessel carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and 11 other volunteers, was intercepted in the early hours of Sunday by Israeli commandos. The boat, Madleen, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), was reportedly stopped in international waters while en route to deliver medical and food supplies to the besieged enclave.
The FFC claims the Madleen was attacked with drones and an “unidentified chemical substance” before being boarded by Israeli forces. A video posted by the group on social media showed volunteers seated with hands raised, wearing life jackets, and receiving instructions to dispose of their phones—an apparent attempt to avoid seizure or surveillance. No Israeli troops are visible in the footage, which is timestamped around 2:00 a.m. local time.
Activists Allege Drone Assault, Communications Jammed
The FFC raised a red alert shortly after the incident, alleging the use of quadcopters, signal jamming, and psychological warfare.
“The Madleen is currently under assault in international waters. Quadcopters are surrounding the ship, spraying it with a white paint-like substance. Communications are jammed, and disturbing sounds are being played over the radio,” the FFC stated.
In a live video, Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila described the group being “attacked by a storm of drones,” saying the vessel’s cockpit was struck directly. “They attacked humanitarian aid,” he said. “We do not fear them,” he added defiantly.
Greta Thunberg Appeals for Intervention
In her final video message before the group lost contact, Thunberg called on the Swedish government to intervene.
“We have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by the Israeli occupational forces, or forces that support Israel,” she said. “I urge all my friends, family and comrades to put pressure on the Swedish government to release me and the others as soon as possible.”
The FFC emphasized that Thunberg and the others onboard were unarmed civilians transporting baby formula, medical supplies, and other essentials. “She posed no threat, and was operating in full accordance with international maritime, humanitarian, and human rights law,” the group said.
Israel Calls It a “Staged Provocation”
Israel, however, has pushed back hard against the activists’ narrative. The Israeli Foreign Ministry dismissed the operation as a publicity stunt, branding the Madleen a “selfie yacht” and accusing its passengers of exploiting humanitarian rhetoric for political showmanship.
“While Greta and others attempted to stage a media provocation… more than 1,200 aid trucks have entered Gaza from Israel within the past two weeks,” the Ministry said in a statement. “There are ways to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip — they do not involve Instagram selfies.”
The ministry downplayed the humanitarian value of the cargo, claiming it was “less than a single truckload” and promised any usable supplies would be redirected through “real humanitarian channels.”
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz was more direct, confirming he had ordered the IDF to stop the vessel.
“To the antisemitic Greta and her Hamas-propaganda-spouting friends, I say clearly: You’d better turn back, because you will not reach Gaza,” Katz said.
International Fallout Likely
The interception in international waters raises potential legal and diplomatic issues, especially as it involved a high-profile figure like Thunberg and took place outside Israel’s territorial boundaries.
Legal experts suggest the move could trigger formal protests from countries whose nationals were aboard, including Sweden and Brazil, depending on how long the passengers are held and whether charges are filed.
Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian groups and human rights organizations have condemned the incident as a violation of international law and an assault on humanitarian principles.
As of now, Israeli authorities say the passengers are safe and being returned to their home countries, though no independent confirmation has been released. It remains unclear if Thunberg and the other activists face any legal consequences.
The Madleen episode is the latest in a series of high-profile confrontations between international activists and the Israeli military over Gaza aid, highlighting not only the ongoing humanitarian crisis but also the deeply polarizing global politics surrounding it.