On June 9, 2025, Israel intercepted a civilian ship, the Madleen, en route to Gaza, carrying aid and notable activist Greta Thunberg among others. The ship was part of a mission organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, a group opposing the blockade that has persisted for nearly 20 years. The coalition condemned the actions of the Israeli military, asserting that their activists had been forcibly taken, while Israel announced plans to return the passengers to their countries of origin.
The Madleen departed from Sicily on June 1, with Israel taking a firm stance to prevent any breaches of the naval blockade it has enforced on Gaza. Surveillance footage from the ship captured moments when individuals on board donned life jackets as they were approached by an Israeli naval vessel. As the situation unfolds, the repercussions of this interception may further complicate perceptions around humanitarian aid in the region amidst ongoing tensions.
