Date: June 9, 2025
By: Now24 News Desk
Madleen Gaza Flotilla Live: Greta Thunberg, 11 Activists in Israel Custody
Jerusalem – International climate activist Greta Thunberg and 11 other human rights advocates have been detained by Israeli naval forces after attempting to breach the maritime blockade of Gaza aboard a civilian aid vessel named Madleen.
The flotilla, part of a renewed international campaign to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, was intercepted earlier this morning in international waters before entering the Gaza exclusion zone, according to Israeli military officials.
The Interception
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed they boarded the Madleen without resistance and escorted it to Ashdod Port for inspection. All 12 activists, including Thunberg, were taken into custody for questioning by Israeli authorities under suspicion of attempting to enter a restricted military zone.
"The flotilla was warned multiple times not to approach the maritime border of Gaza," the IDF spokesperson stated. "The vessel was intercepted in accordance with international maritime law to prevent unauthorized access to a conflict zone."
Thunberg’s Statement Prior to the Mission
In a video posted before the flotilla departed from Cyprus, Thunberg stated:
"We are sailing in solidarity with the people of Gaza, whose voices are silenced by siege and war. This is not only an environmental issue—it’s a human rights emergency."
This is the first time Thunberg has physically participated in a direct-action protest involving the Gaza blockade, though she has been vocal about the situation in the past.
Who Was On Board?
The activists included a diverse group of human rights defenders from Sweden, Norway, Ireland, South Africa, and the United States. Among them were:
- Greta Thunberg, Swedish environmental activist
- Dr. Amina Khoury, Palestinian-South African humanitarian
- Liam O’Reilly, Irish journalist and author
- Marit Solberg, Norwegian former parliamentarian
- Several medical aid workers and peace advocates
International Reactions
Human Rights Watch has called the detentions “an unacceptable crackdown on peaceful protest,” and several European governments have demanded immediate consular access to their detained citizens.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, however, insists the flotilla was a “provocative stunt that jeopardizes security and has no place in international diplomacy.”
Background on the Blockade
The Gaza Strip has been under a joint Israeli-Egyptian blockade since 2007, following the rise of Hamas. The blockade has restricted movement of goods and people, drawing widespread criticism for worsening humanitarian conditions for Gaza’s 2 million residents.
Several flotillas have attempted to breach the blockade over the past decade. In 2010, a similar effort ended in a deadly confrontation aboard the Mavi Marmara, where nine Turkish activists were killed by Israeli forces.
🔴 LIVE UPDATES
Stay tuned to Now24 for live updates as this story develops. We are monitoring diplomatic responses and efforts to secure the activists' release.