Intercepted in International Waters: The Gaza Flotilla, Greta Thunberg, and the Political Fallout
In June 2025, a small civilian flotilla led by international activists—including Greta Thunberg—set sail toward Gaza in protest against Israel’s naval blockade. The mission, carried out aboard the Madleen, was quickly intercepted by Israeli forces in the eastern Mediterranean. What followed was an international incident that raised urgent legal, humanitarian, and diplomatic questions. As governments react and activists speak out, the operation’s implications continue to reverberate.
Mission purpose
In early June 2025, the nonprofit Freedom Flotilla Coalition launched the yacht Madleen—a British-flagged vessel—from Sicily. Its self-stated aim was to challenge Israel’s naval blockade and deliver a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid—such as baby formula and medical supplies—to Gaza. The coalition described it as a protest against the “looming famine” and the broader humanitarian situation in the region
What happened
On June 9, Israeli naval forces intercepted the Madleen in international waters about 120 miles (200 km) off Gaza’s coast. Commandos boarded the yacht early in the morning without reported violence, and it was then escorted to Ashdod port.
Israel defended the interception as legal, citing its blockade. They described the yacht as the “selfie‑yacht of celebrities” and downplayed the aid onboard, labelling the mission a media stunt as reported by theguardian.com. Meanwhile, human rights advocates and campaign organisers called the action unlawful and labelled it a “kidnapping” by Israeli authorities.
The activists and aid cargo were taken to Ashdod; medical screenings were conducted, and all passengers were detained and informed of potential deportation. Israel’s defence minister noted they would be shown footage of Hamas’s October 7th attacks according to Sky News.
Photo: @gretathunberg
Greta Thunberg’s role
Greta Thunberg was one of 12 passengers, including doctors, journalists, a Spanish activist, and European MEP Rima Hassan reported by CNN. Thunberg said in a video released by the group: “We have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters,” and urged pressure on the Swedish government.
Status of detainees
As of June 10, five activists, including Thunberg and Spain’s Sergio Toribio, accepted deportations and have either left or are en route to their home countries—Thunberg via France back to Sweden. Others—primarily from France and Italy—have refused deportation orders and remain in custody, potentially facing legal proceedings under Israeli law.
All detainees are no longer aboard the flotilla; they are either being deported or held in facilities such as Ramle according to apnews.com.
Is anyone still captured?
No—while some remain detained in Israel pending legal review, none are held aboard the vessel, and a handful, including Thunberg, have already departed Israel under deportation terms.
This incident has already sparked diplomatic backlash, with Spain, France, Turkey, and others lodging protests. Legal groups like Adalah and international bodies like the UN have questioned Israel’s interception in international waters
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