In the Mediterranean Sea near the Gaza Strip, Israeli military forces intercepted the vessel Madleen, which was carrying Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg along with a group of pro-Palestinian activists, including at least one diplomat, according to available reports. The incident occurred in the evening of June 9, reports the Baltimore Chronicle with reference to Reuters.
The vessel, en route to the blockaded territory with humanitarian supplies, was surrounded by Israeli drones and helicopters. An unidentified substance was dispersed over the ship, after which armed soldiers boarded. At that moment, communication with the vessel was completely lost.
Shortly after, Israeli intelligence services released a statement confirming that the Madleen was safely heading toward the Israeli coast, and that all individuals aboard the so-called “selfie yacht” would be returned to their respective countries.
The only visual evidence of the incident is a photograph published by the “Freedom Flotilla” initiative shortly before contact was lost. The image shows activists in life jackets with their hands raised — likely as a gesture of surrender or appeal for a peaceful resolution.
The Madleen had set sail as part of the humanitarian initiative “Freedom Flotilla,” aimed at delivering medicine, food, and other essential supplies to residents of the Gaza Strip. The enclave has been under total blockade for months, with no access to electricity, water, or medical aid.
The Israeli government had previously declared its intention to block any attempt to breach the maritime blockade of the enclave. Israel’s Minister of Defense publicly stated the ship must be stopped “at any cost,” accusing Greta Thunberg of “spreading antisemitism.” For years, Israel has enforced a naval blockade on Gaza, citing the threat of arms deliveries to Hamas.
Earlier we wrote that the Israeli army hit Hezbollah targets in Lebanon on Sunday.