A yacht carrying Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and a group of pro-Palestinian supporters was intercepted by Israeli naval forces in international waters while en route to Gaza. The vessel, named Madleen, was reportedly delivering symbolic humanitarian supplies including baby formula and food items.
According to Israeli officials, the interception was conducted in line with the nation’s ongoing maritime blockade on Gaza, which is enforced to prevent the flow of weapons and support to terrorist organizations. All 12 passengers, including European politicians and human rights activists, were safely escorted to the port of Ashdod.
Israel’s Defense Ministry announced that those onboard will be shown graphic footage documenting the October 7 Hamas attacks in an effort to highlight the violence committed by the group. The move has sparked both support and criticism internationally, with some nations calling for the immediate release of the activists and others backing Israel’s right to defend its borders.
The incident has reignited global debate over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the legality of Israel’s blockade, and the role of international activists in the ongoing Middle East conflict.