A British vessel carrying humanitarian supplies to Gaza was intercepted by Israeli forces late Sunday night in international waters. Among those on board was climate activist Greta Thunberg. The incident has sparked international criticism and raised questions over maritime law.
The Madleen, a British ship organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), was stopped approximately 160 kilometers off the coast of Gaza, according to the group. The FFC stated that the ship was carrying a range of humanitarian goods, including baby formula, flour, rice, diapers, sanitary products, and medical equipment. The group also emphasized that no weapons were on board and that the ship’s route had been publicly announced.
The vessel was crewed by 12 activists, including Thunberg and French Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan. The FFC, which has organized similar missions since 2010, described the interception as an “illegal seizure” in international waters.
As Israeli speedboats approached, the crew attempted to maintain contact with legal advisors and media outlets, but communications were reportedly disrupted. The activists said they were ordered to throw their phones into the sea, and a white substance was sprayed across the deck, though its nature and purpose remain unclear. No injuries were reported during the operation.
The incident drew comparisons to the 2010 interception of the Mavi Marmara, another aid vessel bound for Gaza, which resulted in fatalities.
Greta Thunberg accuses Israel of an 'illegal act' after being deported to Paris for trying to break Israel's sea blockade of Gaza on a British yacht.https://t.co/xHL8Bp8iiv pic.twitter.com/yYgED2kemh
— Sky News (@SkyNews) June 10, 2025
Official Responses
Israeli authorities stated that the operation was conducted in an orderly manner and that all those on board were unharmed. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant described the mission as necessary and referred to the vessel as a “selfie yacht.” Defense Minister Israel Katz commented that the activists should “reflect on the images of the October 7 Hamas attacks.”
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the interception, calling it a “blatant violation of international law.” Ankara argued that such actions threaten both freedom of navigation and broader maritime security in the region.
Amnesty International also criticized the operation. Secretary-General Agnès Callamard described it as a breach of international law. France, the Netherlands, and Spain have formally requested clarification through diplomatic channels. Several Members of the European Parliament also voiced concerns, calling the Israeli action “disproportionate and lacking legal basis.”
Broader Context
The interception comes amid heightened tensions surrounding the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where aid deliveries remain a contentious and politically charged issue. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has pledged to continue its efforts to deliver aid by sea.