A group of international activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, will be deported from Israel after their boat, the Madleen, was seized en route to Gaza, Israeli authorities announced Monday.
The Madleen was intercepted early Monday by Israeli forces while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to the besieged Strip. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organized the mission, said the boat was seized in international waters approximately 200 kilometres from Gaza. Israel dismissed the voyage as a publicity stunt, referring to the vessel as the “selfie yacht of the celebrities.”
Footage released by Israel’s foreign ministry showed military personnel distributing water and food to the orange life vest-clad activists. The Madleen was later brought to the Israeli port of Ashdod, where all aboard were disembarked and transferred to a detention facility ahead of deportation.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition accused Israel of “unlawfully boarding” the boat, claiming its unarmed crew was “abducted” and that essential supplies—such as baby formula and medicine—were confiscated.
Among the 12 activists on board were six French citizens, including Rima Hassan, a French MEP of Palestinian origin who has previously been barred from entering Israel. The European Parliament member said it is in “constant contact” with Israeli authorities to ensure her safety. EP President Roberta Metsola and political leaders are also involved in the case.
French President Emmanuel Macron has called on Israel to allow the French nationals to return immediately.
Thunberg, in a pre-recorded message released after the seizure, urged pressure on the Swedish government to secure their release. She and other activists had departed from Sicily a week ago, reportedly stopping mid-voyage to rescue four migrants fleeing the Libyan coast guard.
Israel said the aid on board would be delivered to Gaza via established channels.
Germany’s producer prices dropped 1.2% year-on-year in May, in line with market expectations, largely due to falling energy prices, official data showed Friday.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 20th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A deadly overnight Russian drone assault on Ukraine’s Black Sea port city of Odesa left one person dead and at least 14 injured, striking residential buildings and key rail infrastructure, according to local authorities.
There are international calls to seek a diplomatic solution amid rising tensions in the Middle East and to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. That's according to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and key international allies who discussed the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
In our latest Newshour programme, presenter Guy Shone covered the recent report revealing that a covert U.S. working group, established earlier this year to speed up peace talks in Ukraine, has been quietly disbanded.
Germany’s producer prices dropped 1.2% year-on-year in May, in line with market expectations, largely due to falling energy prices, official data showed Friday.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 20th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A deadly overnight Russian drone assault on Ukraine’s Black Sea port city of Odesa left one person dead and at least 14 injured, striking residential buildings and key rail infrastructure, according to local authorities.
There are international calls to seek a diplomatic solution amid rising tensions in the Middle East and to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. That's according to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and key international allies who discussed the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
The World Bank is pushing for “radical” debt transparency from developing countries to prevent future financial crises, warning that hidden debts are fueling instability.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has cancelled certain flights scheduled for 13th and 14th June amid recent escalation of situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace in several countries for security reasons.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
Azerbaijan and Poland discussed closer cooperation in digital tax reforms and innovation during a high-level meeting held on the sidelines of the IOTA General Assembly in Baku.
President Ilham Aliyev welcomed Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, in Baku, as the two countries look to deepen their strategic economic partnership.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
The 19th General Assembly of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) is underway in St. Petersburg, Russia. The gathering, which brings together 41 news agencies from 33 countries, is being hosted by the TASS news agency as part of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his assassination threat against Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating that he has instructed the military that “no one is untouchable in Iran."
Germany’s producer prices dropped 1.2% year-on-year in May, in line with market expectations, largely due to falling energy prices, official data showed Friday.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 20th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A deadly overnight Russian drone assault on Ukraine’s Black Sea port city of Odesa left one person dead and at least 14 injured, striking residential buildings and key rail infrastructure, according to local authorities.
There are international calls to seek a diplomatic solution amid rising tensions in the Middle East and to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. That's according to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and key international allies who discussed the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
The World Bank is pushing for “radical” debt transparency from developing countries to prevent future financial crises, warning that hidden debts are fueling instability.
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