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.
English below
🔴 L’équipage de la Freedom Flotilla a été arrêté par l’armée israélienne en eaux internationales autour de deux heures du matin.
Des actions sont à venir, restez connectés.
🔴 The crew of the Freedom Flotilla was arrested by the Israeli army in international… pic.twitter.com/GSA2LFHjvb
— Rima Hassan (@RimaHas) June 9, 2025
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.
🚨URGENT | The Israeli army has boarded the Freedom Flotilla Madleen, taken control, and cut off communications!!! pic.twitter.com/GphcXGN8C5
— Martyrs of Gaza (@GazaMartyrs) June 9, 2025
Another one in which Israeli Drones are mentioned.
Gaza freedom flotilla ship Madleen, due to enter Palestinian waters at around 2am local time Monday, has been intercepted by Israeli vessels and quadcopter drones in international waters. The ship has been sprayed with an unknown substance; crew are reporting the ship is being… pic.twitter.com/mpMxGckfMQ
— WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) June 9, 2025
Greta Thunderberg said, “We have been kidnapped.”
Greta: “We have been kidnapped” https://t.co/zBM6vQ1q7u pic.twitter.com/W6xjTSGeYK
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) June 9, 2025
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 crew of the flotilla are now all in Israeli custody enroute to Israel where they will be deported to their home countries. Meanwhile they are enjoying a picnic of sandwiches and water courtesy of Shayetet 13.
Contributed by @inside_IL_intel pic.twitter.com/LKNlDLuLr3
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) June 9, 2025
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.
