Israeli Raid on Gaza Aid Ship: Activists Report
Israeli forces intercepted a yacht carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, igniting international concern. Climate activist Greta Thunberg was reportedly on board, adding to the urgency of the situation. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) has condemned the Israeli action, stating contact with the vessel, the Madleen, was lost. Israel maintains the blockade is crucial to prevent arms from reaching Hamas, while the FFC contests the blockadeS legality. News Directory 3 is following this developing story closely. The intercepted yacht, which departed from Sicily, was carrying aid like rice and baby formula. This incident comes after heightened tensions following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. The fate of the activists and the aid shipment hangs in the balance. Discover what’s next in the ongoing crisis.
Israeli Troops Intercept Gaza Aid Yacht with Greta Thunberg Aboard
Updated June 09, 2025
Israeli forces have reportedly boarded a yacht attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, according to activists. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) stated that contact was lost with the vessel,named Madleen. Climate activist Greta Thunberg is believed to be among those on board the yacht, which was sailing off the egyptian coast.
The Israeli foreign ministry previously stated that the navy instructed the yacht to alter its course due to its approach toward a restricted area. Israel asserts that the blockade is essential to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas militants in Gaza. The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the delivery of humanitarian aid and the Israeli blockade.
The FFC said the vessel, which departed from Sicily on Friday, carried humanitarian aid and was prepared for potential Israeli intervention. Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz previously warned against breaching the blockade.
Katz stated on X that he instructed the israel Defense Forces to prevent the “Madeleine” hate flotilla from reaching Gaza and to take necessary measures. He maintains that the blockade, in place as 2007, is crucial for preventing weapons transfers to Hamas and ensuring Israel’s security.
“we will not be intimidated. The world is watching,” said FFC press officer Hay Sha Wiya.
The FFC argues that the sea blockade is illegal. Wiya described Katz’s statement as an example of Israel threatening unlawful force against civilians and attempting to justify violence with smears. The Madleen carried a symbolic amount of aid, including rice and baby formula, with citizens from various countries on board.
The incident occurs nearly 20 months after Israel initiated a military campaign in Gaza following a Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct.7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages. Since then, at least 54,880 people have died in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
What’s next
The situation remains tense as international observers monitor the fate of the activists and the aid shipment. Further diplomatic efforts are expected to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the legality of the Israeli blockade.