In the early hours of June 8, the Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed that the Madleen, a Gaza-bound vessel carrying pro-Palestinian activists including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, was diverted toward Israeli shores. Israel had previously declared its intent to prevent the ship from breaching its naval blockade on Gaza.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, an international grassroots campaign aimed at challenging the ongoing blockade, had organized the voyage. The vessel left Catania, Italy, on June 1, carrying a group of activists and aid meant for the besieged territory.
In response to the interception, the Israeli Foreign Ministry took to social media, labeling the vessel as the “selfie yacht” of celebrities, asserting that Thunberg and others were attempting to provoke media attention for publicity purposes. The ministry posted images and videos showing the passengers in life jackets, receiving food and water after the Israeli military action.
The event escalated tensions in the region as the Freedom Flotilla Coalition reported that contact with the Madleen had been lost during the interception, asserting that the activists were "kidnapped" by Israeli forces.
With humanitarian concerns taking center stage and global figures involved, the incident represents a significant flashpoint in the ongoing conflict surrounding Gaza and the surrounding geopolitical landscape.
