JERUSALEM – Israeli forces have intercepted the “Madleen” aid flotilla, a civilian vessel carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg and other activists, which was attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

Key Facts

• Interception and Diversion – The Israeli military intercepted the ‘Madleen’ in international waters and diverted it to Israeli shores, stating its intention to enforce its naval blockade on Gaza.
• Activists and Mission – Twelve activists, including Greta Thunberg and French Member of European Parliament Rima Hassan, were aboard the ‘Madleen’, aiming to deliver aid and challenge the long-standing blockade.
• Israeli Stance – Israeli officials, including Defense Minister Israel Katz, stated that the flotilla was a “media gimmick” and vowed to prevent it from reaching Gaza to prevent the transfer of arms to Hamas.

The interception comes as the vessel, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, sought to break the naval blockade on Gaza, which Israel maintains is necessary to prevent Hamas from importing weapons.

Why Israel Intercepted the Aid Flotilla

Israel’s defense establishment confirmed the interception of the “Madleen” vessel. Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a direct warning to the flotilla, stating that Israel would not permit any attempts to breach its naval blockade of the Palestinian territory. Katz characterized the flotilla as a “media gimmick” rather than a genuine humanitarian mission, asserting that the small amount of aid carried by the yacht would be transferred through “real humanitarian channels.” This stance aligns with Israel’s long-held position that its naval blockade, in place since 2007 following Hamas’s takeover of Gaza, is legal under international law and essential for its security.

What Happened During the Interception?

Reports from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition indicate that communications with the “Madleen” were lost after Israeli forces boarded the vessel in international waters. Activists on board had previously reported that their tracking and communication devices were being jammed as they approached Gaza, approximately 160 nautical miles away. Videos shared by activists showed them putting on life jackets in anticipation of the interception, and some reports described drones spraying an irritant substance near the ship. The Israeli Foreign Ministry later confirmed that the boat was being safely directed to Israeli shores and that the passengers were expected to be returned to their home countries.

The Broader Context of Gaza Aid and Blockade

The interception of the “Madleen” is not an isolated incident. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has previously attempted to reach Gaza by sea, with another vessel, the “Conscience,” reportedly attacked by drones near Malta last month. Humanitarian organizations and experts have consistently warned about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, emphasizing the need for unimpeded aid access. While Israel began allowing some basic aid into Gaza following a total blockade in the early days of the conflict, humanitarian workers continue to advocate for the full lifting of restrictions to avert further crisis. The ongoing debate centers on Israel’s security concerns versus the international community’s call for increased humanitarian access to the strip’s population.