Greta Thunberg: Israel Boards Gaza-Bound Charity Boat
Israeli Forces Intercept Gaza-Bound Aid Ship with Greta Thunberg Aboard
Updated June 09, 2025
israeli forces on Monday boarded the Madleen, a charity vessel attempting to deliver aid to Gaza, according to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. The incident occured as the British-flagged yacht approached the Gaza Strip, defying Israel’s naval blockade. The Gaza aid ship had departed from Sicily on June 6.
Among those on board were Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament. The Freedom Flotilla aimed to deliver humanitarian supplies.
Danilo Arnone / Reuters
The Israeli military initially had no comment. However, prior to the interception, the Israeli Foreign Ministry released a video showing the navy communicating with the Madleen, urging it to divert course. A soldier stated that the maritime zone off Gaza was closed due to a legal naval blockade and suggested delivering aid through the Israeli port of Ashdod.
The yacht carried a symbolic shipment of humanitarian aid, including rice and baby formula, for the residents of Gaza. The Israeli blockade has been in place as 2007, when Hamas took control of the area.
Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the military to prevent the ship from reaching Gaza, calling the mission a propaganda effort supporting Hamas.
The ongoing conflict,which began after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack, has resulted in significant casualties.Gaza’s health ministry reports over 54,000 Palestinian deaths as the start of Israel’s military campaign. The United Nations has warned of widespread famine among Gaza’s population.
What’s next
The fate of the Madleen and its passengers remains uncertain as diplomatic efforts continue to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.