Israeli Forces Board Gaza-Bound Aid Ship Carrying Greta Thunberg, Say Activists

Contact lost with vessel as tensions rise over humanitarian mission to besieged Gaza Strip

Israeli forces have reportedly boarded a yacht attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, according to statements from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the activist group behind the mission.

The vessel, named Madleen, lost all communication while it was sailing in international waters near the Egyptian coast. “Connection has been lost,” the coalition wrote on its Telegram channel, along with a photo appearing to show passengers in life jackets, sitting on the deck with their hands raised in a posture of surrender. The authenticity of the photo has not yet been independently verified.

One of the most prominent figures reportedly aboard is Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, who joined the voyage in solidarity with Palestinians and to bring attention to what activists are calling a worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

The ship is part of the Freedom Flotilla, a civil society-led initiative aiming to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza and deliver food, medicine, and other essential supplies. The coalition says the flotilla’s cargo is strictly humanitarian and includes no weapons or military materials.

Israeli Government: Blockade Necessary for Security

Earlier today, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant issued a directive to the military to stop the vessel from breaching the naval blockade, which Israel has enforced on Gaza since 2007. Israeli authorities argue the blockade is critical to prevent weapons and other supplies from reaching Hamas, the armed group that controls the Gaza Strip and is designated a terrorist organization by Israel, the U.S., and the EU.

“The Israeli Navy is acting in accordance with international law to prevent unauthorized vessels from entering the maritime security zone around Gaza,” an Israeli official said in a brief statement, without directly confirming that the Madleen had been boarded.

A High-Stakes Voyage Amid Growing Global Attention

The Freedom Flotilla’s mission comes at a time of heightened international scrutiny over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where residents have endured months of military bombardment, displacement, and restricted access to food, water, fuel, and medical care.

Greta Thunberg’s participation has brought global media attention to the voyage. Before departure, she described the mission as a “moral obligation” and criticized the international community’s failure to act decisively to alleviate the suffering of civilians in Gaza.

This isn’t the first time activists have attempted to challenge the Israeli blockade. In 2010, a similar flotilla ended in a deadly raid by Israeli forces aboard the Mavi Marmara, leaving 10 Turkish activists dead and triggering an international outcry.

What Happens Next?

As of now, there has been no official confirmation from Israel about the current status of the Madleen or the whereabouts of those on board. Human rights groups and international observers are urging transparency and restraint as the situation unfolds.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition is demanding the immediate release of the passengers and that the aid be allowed to reach its intended destination.

This is a developing story. More updates will follow as new details become available.

Source: BBC – Israeli Forces Board Gaza Aid Ship Carrying Greta Thunberg, Say Activists