“We’ve Been Kidnapped by Israeli Forces in International Waters” Greta Thunberg

On June 8, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to intercept a humanitarian ship headed for Gaza. The vessel, named Madleen, had departed Sicily on June 1, carrying a small group of international activists, including Greta Thunberg and European Parliament member Rima Hassan.

Katz accused the activists of “serving Hamas propaganda” and claimed the mission posed a threat to Israeli national security. He instructed the IDF to “take all necessary measures” to prevent the ship from reaching Gaza, citing Israel’s long-standing naval blockade of the region.

The operation sparked immediate global debate. Human rights organizations called it a violation of international law, while Israeli officials defended the move as a legitimate national security action.

The Madleen’s Mission

The Madleen carried a symbolic payload of baby formula, rice, food, and medical supplies. It was not a large-scale humanitarian mission in volume but was intended to draw global attention to the ongoing blockade of Gaza.

Twelve activists were on board, representing a mix of climate, political, and humanitarian movements. Greta Thunberg, a globally known climate activist, joined the journey to highlight what she called a “man-made humanitarian catastrophe.” Rima Hassan, a newly elected member of the European Parliament, supported the flotilla as a call for “unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza.”

Read: Greta Thunberg Sets Sail to Support Gaza Aid Mission

The ship was part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organizes peaceful voyages in support of Gaza’s besieged population. The group stated that their mission was legal under international law and framed the journey as an act of solidarity, not provocation.

Israeli Forces Board Ship in International Waters

On June 9, Israeli naval forces intercepted the Madleen in international waters. The IDF confirmed that they had taken control of the ship and redirected it to the Israeli port of Ashdod.

Activists aboard the ship described the boarding as chaotic and aggressive. They claimed Israeli forces boarded without warning and used force to restrain crew members. Greta Thunberg and others labeled the action as a “kidnapping,” stating that they were unlawfully seized while in international waters.

Israel defended the operation by citing its blockade policy, which it maintains is essential to prevent weapons and materials from reaching Hamas. Officials said the humanitarian cargo would be inspected and delivered to Gaza through approved land routes, following security checks.

Israel also detained all twelve activists. By June 10, officials had begun deportation proceedings against foreign nationals on board, including Thunberg.

International Condemnation and Legal Concerns

The interception of the Madleen drew widespread criticism. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition condemned the action as a violation of maritime law. They argued that seizing a peaceful civilian ship in international waters amounts to piracy.

The United Nations Human Rights Office expressed concern, noting that the blockade of Gaza already restricts essential aid and freedom of movement. “Every obstacle to humanitarian delivery increases the risk of famine,” the office stated.

Protests broke out in several cities, including Paris, London, and Sydney, with demonstrators waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans against the Israeli blockade. Many called for international pressure on Israel to lift restrictions and allow direct aid deliveries to Gaza.

Meanwhile, Israeli officials maintained their stance. Foreign Minister Israel Katz doubled down on his earlier comments, calling the flotilla “a media stunt” designed to delegitimize Israel. He emphasized that the activists were warned in advance not to attempt to breach the blockade.