Israeli Forces Board Aid Ship En Route to Gaza with Greta Thunberg Onboard
In a tense maritime confrontation, the Israeli military has boarded the aid vessel Madleen, which was headed to Gaza carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg, along with other passengers. The vessel is part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s humanitarian mission to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip.
Contact Lost Amid Drone Activity and Communication Jamming
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition reported that all communication with Madleen has been lost following the boarding by Israeli forces. The coalition shared an unsettling image of crew members inside the ship, wearing lifejackets and raising their hands, though no military personnel are visible in the photo.
According to FFC’s updates, quadcopters circled the ship, spraying a white, paint-like substance across the deck. Communications were allegedly disrupted by jamming devices, while strange, unsettling sounds were broadcast over the ship’s radio channels—adding to the escalating chaos.
Israeli Government Vows to Block Aid Reaching Gaza
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz explicitly stated, “I have ordered the IDF to prevent the ‘Madleen’ flotilla from reaching Gaza.” Israeli authorities dismissed the ship as a “selfie yacht” carrying celebrities and maintained a firm stance on blocking the vessel.
Notable Activists and Passengers on Board
Among those aboard were notable figures such as Greta Thunberg, actor Liam Cunningham, and French Member of European Parliament Rima Hassan. The flotilla’s mission was to deliver crucial humanitarian aid amid ongoing tensions and blockades affecting Gaza.
Call for International Pressure and Solidarity
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, issuing an urgent appeal, described the boarding as an unlawful act in international waters. They urged global citizens and governments to pressure Israeli and related foreign ministries to ensure the safety of the volunteers, including Thunberg.
Meanwhile, international voices echoed this call. A UN Special Rapporteur emphasized the legal and moral duty for Mediterranean coastal nations to send humanitarian aid, stating, “They shall sail together—united, they will be unstoppable.”
What Lies Ahead?
The situation remains fluid, with no confirmed information on the current status of the Madleen ship or its passengers. As diplomatic pressures rise, the incident shines a spotlight on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the complexities surrounding aid delivery in a contentious geopolitical context.
Note: This story is developing, and updates will follow as new information becomes available.
