Legal Implications of Israel's Seizure of Gaza-Bound Activist Ship

**JERUSALEM (AP)** — On June 9, 2025, Israeli naval forces intercepted and seized the Madleen, a Gaza-bound ship carrying international activists, including renowned climate advocate Greta Thunberg. The operation, conducted approximately 200 kilometers off the coast of Gaza, has sparked a heated debate regarding the legality of Israel’s actions under international maritime law.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organized the voyage, stated that the mission aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, including baby formula and food, as a protest against Israel’s ongoing military campaign in the region. The coalition described the seizure as an act of kidnapping by Israeli forces, while Israeli officials characterized the voyage as a public relations stunt aimed at undermining Israel's blockade on Gaza, which has been in place since 2007.

Robbie Sabel, an expert in international law and a former legal adviser to the Israeli Foreign Ministry, stated, "According to the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, a country has jurisdiction only up to 12 nautical miles from its coast. In general, states do not have the right to seize ships in international waters, except under certain conditions, such as during armed conflict." He noted that Israel has long been in a state of armed conflict with Hamas, thereby justifying its interception of vessels suspected of breaching the blockade.

However, the legality of the blockade itself has been a contentious issue. Rights groups, including Amnesty International, argue that the blockade constitutes unlawful collective punishment against the Palestinian population. They assert that Israel has a humanitarian obligation to ensure adequate supplies to Gaza, a claim that has been consistently disputed by Israeli authorities.

The interception of the Madleen is not an isolated incident; Israel has previously halted numerous ships attempting to reach Gaza. Notably, a 2010 raid resulted in significant violence, leading to the deaths of nine activists. Most other similar operations have ended without incident, involving the diversion of vessels and detaining activists. Israel's actions are scrutinized against the backdrop of its claims that humanitarian aid is allowed into Gaza, while reports from U.N. agencies indicate that aid is often insufficient to meet the population's needs.

As the situation unfolds, Thunberg and the other activists aboard the Madleen are expected to face deportation after their detention. Legal experts continue to debate whether Israel's actions were justified, particularly in light of the unique legal status of Gaza as a territory under Israeli occupation. Thunberg’s involvement in this incident has drawn international attention to both the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the complexities of international maritime law.

In summary, the seizure of the Madleen raises profound questions about state sovereignty, humanitarian rights, and the interpretation of international law amid ongoing conflict. As the debate continues, the implications for both the activists and the broader geopolitical landscape remain significant.