In a significant development early on Monday morning, the Israeli Foreign Ministry announced the diversion of a Gaza-bound ship, the Madleen, which was carrying around a dozen pro-Palestinian activists along with humanitarian aid. The ministry confirmed that the ship was being redirected towards Israeli shores, and the passengers were expected to return to their home countries shortly.
On Sunday, Israel made it clear that it would take all necessary measures to prevent the Madleen from reaching Gaza, citing the ongoing naval blockade that has been in place for nearly two decades. The Israeli military emphasized that it would employ “any means necessary” to ensure the blockade remains intact, reflecting the country's stringent maritime security policies in the region.
The Madleen, which set sail from Sicily on June 1, operates under the auspices of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, an international grassroots movement that actively opposes the blockade of Gaza. Among the notable passengers on board were prominent figures such as Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg and Rima Hassan, a member of the European Parliament, both of whom have been vocal advocates for Palestinian rights.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry took to social media to characterize the mission of the ship as a publicity stunt, referring to it as the “selfie yacht” of “celebrities.” The ministry accused Thunberg and her fellow activists of orchestrating a media provocation aimed solely at gaining attention for their cause. In a series of posts, the ministry shared videos of the passengers, who were reportedly wearing life jackets and being provided with food and water.
Shortly after the Israeli military's intervention, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition reported that alarms had sounded, and drones were spotted over the Madleen. The group claimed to have lost contact with the ship, asserting that the activists had been “kidnapped” by Israeli forces. This assertion highlights the rising tensions and differing narratives surrounding the incident.
Surveillance footage recorded early Monday from aboard the Madleen shows passengers in the cockpit wearing orange life vests as they are approached by another vessel. The footage captures the moment individuals can be seen boarding the ship, further fueling the ongoing debate over the legality and ethics of the Israeli naval blockade and the actions taken against the activist group.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides presenting contrasting accounts, and the international community closely monitoring developments regarding the Madleen and its passengers.
