Israeli naval forces have intercepted the Madleen, a civilian aid ship bound for Gaza, in international waters around 160km (100 miles) from the coastal enclave under blockade.
The vessel, organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) and registered in the UK, was stopped early Monday. Israeli officials confirmed the ship and its crew were being escorted to the Israeli port city of Ashdod.
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Footage recorded before communication was lost showed the unarmed crew—comprising activists and journalists from Europe and the Americas—sitting with raised hands as Israeli commandos boarded. The Madleen was reportedly carrying vital aid, including food, baby formula, and medical supplies.
Among the 12 detained were climate activist Greta Thunberg, Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila, French MEP Rima Hassan, and Al Jazeera journalist Omar Faiad.
Before losing contact, passengers reported that Israeli drones sprayed a thick white substance on the ship, causing irritation and burning. Experts suggest it may have been a tracking chemical, not the notorious “skunk water” used by Israeli forces.
Human rights advocates have condemned the operation, calling it a breach of international law and a violation of the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) provisional orders demanding unobstructed humanitarian access to Gaza.
“This is not only piracy but a blatant violation of the ICJ’s directives,” said analyst Mouin Rabbani from the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies.
Thiago Ávila had pre-recorded a video message warning of possible capture: “If you’re seeing this, I’ve been kidnapped… we need your support to pressure for our release and to end the siege.”
Israel’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the mission as a publicity stunt, calling the Madleen a “selfie yacht.” Critics denounced the remark as demeaning and warned that obstructing humanitarian aid could constitute a war crime.
Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered the operation, accusing the activists of spreading “propaganda in favor of Hamas.”
The interception highlights ongoing Israeli restrictions on Gaza aid, with rights groups reporting over 100 Palestinians killed recently while trying to reach food supplies.
UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese stressed that Israel has “no legal authority over Gaza,” calling for immediate humanitarian access.
This incident follows a previous attack weeks earlier on another FFC vessel, Conscience, which was hit by drones in international waters off Malta, leaving the boat damaged and on fire.
Greta Thunberg, now detained aboard the Madleen, revealed she had planned to join that earlier voyage aimed at establishing a humanitarian corridor to Gaza. She described the drone attack as causing major damage, forcing that mission to fail.
Meanwhile, Israel’s offensive in Gaza rages on despite global calls for a ceasefire. Over 54,900 Palestinians—mostly women and children—have reportedly been killed since October 2023, with millions now facing starvation and displacement.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders over alleged war crimes, while Israel also faces genocide charges at the International Court of Justice.
