Israel Detains Gaza-Bound Aid Activists, Including Greta Thunberg

On June 10, 2025, Israeli naval forces intercepted the Gaza-bound aid boat Madleen, carrying Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and eleven other campaigners. The interception occurred approximately 185 kilometers west of Gaza, as reported by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC). Following their capture, the activists were towed to the port of Ashdod and subsequently transported to a Tel Aviv airport for deportation back to their respective home countries.

The Madleen departed from Italy on June 1, carrying symbolic provisions aimed at alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the United Nations has warned of an impending famine affecting the entire population. According to the Israeli Foreign Ministry, the activists were processed upon arrival at the airport. The ministry stated, “The passengers of the ‘Selfie Yacht’ arrived at Ben Gurion airport to depart from Israel and return to their home countries.” Furthermore, it indicated that any activists refusing to sign deportation documents would face legal proceedings.

The FFC confirmed that the group was currently under Israeli custody and expressed concern for their safety. Video footage released by the coalition depicted activists surrendering to Israeli forces without any reported injuries. French President Emmanuel Macron, responding to the situation, urged that the six French nationals aboard the Madleen be permitted to return to France promptly.

Adalah, an Israeli non-governmental organization that provides legal support to the Arab minority, stated that it had received requests for assistance from the activists and anticipated their transfer to a detention facility prior to deportation. The interception of the Madleen has drawn significant international criticism, with Turkish officials condemning it as a “heinous attack” and Iran labeling it “a form of piracy” in international waters.

The Israeli government, under Defense Minister Israel Katz, justified the ongoing naval blockade of Gaza, citing security concerns regarding the importation of weapons by Palestinian militants. This blockade, which has been in effect for several years, has faced increased scrutiny amid widespread humanitarian crises in the region.

In conjunction with the Madleen incident, hundreds of activists launched a separate land convoy from Tunisia, aiming to breach the blockade and reach Gaza. Although the convoy is not carrying aid, its organizers describe it as a symbolic act of defiance against the blockade. The group intends to traverse Libya and Egypt, although Egyptian authorities have yet to clarify their stance on permitting passage.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with recent reports indicating increased casualties near distribution points managed by the newly established U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Humanitarian organizations have voiced concerns regarding the GHF's neutrality and operational practices, leading the United Nations to refuse collaboration with the foundation. The GHF's operations have been met with violence, as noted by Gaza's civil defense agency, which reported dozens of fatalities near its distribution sites since late May.

The events surrounding the Madleen highlight the ongoing complexities of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the contentious nature of international aid efforts. As diplomatic pressures mount regarding the blockade, the situation remains fluid, with potential ramifications for both regional stability and humanitarian assistance initiatives moving forward.