Top News

Greta Thunberg Says 'We Have Been Kidnapped' After Israeli Forces Intercept Gaza Aid Ship
ABP Live News | June 9, 2025 10:11 AM CST

In a dramatic pre-dawn operation, Israeli commandos intercepted a vessel carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg and several international human rights campaigners, including Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan, as it attempted to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

The ship, Madleen, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), was reportedly boarded in international waters around 2 a.m., according to a social media post by Hassan. Sharing a photograph of people in life jackets sitting with their hands raised, she confirmed the vessel’s seizure.

"The crew of the Freedom Flotilla was arrested by the Israeli army in international waters around 2 a.m. Actions are coming, stay connected,” Rima Hassan posted on X early Monday morning.

Soon after, FFC’s Telegram channel reported a blackout in communication, stating simply: “Connection has been lost” on the Madleen.

The incident follows earlier threats from Israeli officials to prevent the vessel’s arrival. On Sunday, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a stern directive to the military:
“I have instructed the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] to act so that the hate flotilla … does not reach the shores of Gaza – and to take all necessary measures to that end.”

Multiple videos of IDF interception of the ship were posted on X.

Another one in which Israeli Drones are mentioned.

Greta Thunderberg said, "We have been kidnapped."

Katz also singled out Thunberg, denouncing her involvement in the mission: “To the antisemitic Greta [Thunberg] and her friends who echo Hamas propaganda, I say clearly: You’d better turn back – because you will not reach Gaza. Israel will act against any attempt to break the blockade or to assist terrorist organisations – by sea, by air, and by land.”

The Madleen was carrying what organizers described as a symbolic cargo of humanitarian aid, aimed at spotlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the besieged Gaza Strip. Thunberg, speaking before departure, had defended the mission as a moral imperative: “Because the moment we stop trying is when we lose our humanity.”

The operation occurred amid heightened regional tensions and comes as international concern mounts over the deteriorating situation in Gaza. The Israeli government has maintained a strict naval blockade on the territory, citing national security concerns and the need to prevent weapons smuggling to Hamas.

READ NEXT
Cancel OK