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The Gaza Freedom Flotilla carrying activists and Greta Thunberg was intercepted by the Israeli military, sparking international protest over the Gaza blockade.

11 Jun 2025 2 min

The Gaza Freedom Flotilla is once again in the global spotlight after the Madleen ship, on a humanitarian mission, was intercepted by the Israeli military. The vessel, carrying several international activists including Greta Thunberg, faced a dramatic raid in international waters while attempting to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza. This event triggered strong reactions from the global community and further highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza caused by the prolonged blockade.

Madleen, a UK-flagged vessel, departed from Catania, Italy, in early June 2025 with 12 activists from various countries. They carried symbolic supplies such as food, baby formula, medical equipment, and aid for children in Gaza. The mission was more than just delivering aid—it was a protest action against the naval blockade enforced by Israel since 2007. The activists hoped their action would draw global attention and pressure the opening of humanitarian access to Gaza.

On June 9, 2025, the Israeli military intercepted the Madleen about 185 km from Gaza in international waters. The raid was carried out by the elite Shayetet 13 unit, who boarded the ship in the middle of the night. Activists reported their ship was sprayed with white paint and communications were disrupted prior to the arrest. Electronic devices such as phones and laptops were thrown into the sea to prevent Israeli forces from collecting data.

After the ship was secured, Madleen was towed to the port of Ashdod. There, all activists were questioned and given two options: sign deportation papers or face legal proceedings in Israeli detention centers. Four activists, including Greta Thunberg, chose deportation, while the remaining eight refused to sign and chose to fight the process.

After her deportation, Greta Thunberg called the Israeli military’s actions a “kidnapping” and a violation of international law. She emphasized that the blockade has caused immeasurable suffering for Gaza’s civilian population. Thunberg and other activists received support from human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the UN, which criticized the detention in international waters as illegal.

Spain, Sweden, Turkey, and several other European countries filed diplomatic protests with Israel, demanding the release of all activists and a review of the blockade policy. The Israeli government defended its actions on the grounds of national security, stressing that all humanitarian aid should be routed through official channels.

Israel’s blockade on Gaza, in place since 2007, was tightened following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The efforts of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, including the Madleen, are part of a series of actions that followed the tragic Mavi Marmara incident in 2010. Their mission has become a global symbol of resistance against the blockade and a call to open sea access for humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Each incident like Madleen’s arrest brings renewed global attention to Gaza’s situation, strengthening advocacy for an end to the blockade. Dramatic actions—such as discarding communication devices and the deportation of prominent figures like Greta Thunberg—highlight the tension between humanitarian efforts and national security claims.

The arrest of activists in international waters adds diplomatic pressure on Israel. Many international observers consider the operation a violation of maritime conventions and human rights. However, for now, the blockade is maintained for security reasons and to prevent alleged weapons smuggling into Gaza.

Nevertheless, this incident is expected to further galvanize global solidarity with Gaza and amplify calls to open humanitarian access. International efforts like the Gaza Freedom Flotilla serve as a reminder that the Gaza crisis is far from over and still demands the world’s attention.