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.
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