On June 10, 2025, the Israeli Foreign Ministry announced that passengers aboard the aid ship Madleen, headed for Gaza, were being taken to Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport for deportation. Among those detained is activist Greta Thunberg, who was part of a delegation organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The ship, which had departed from Sicily, was intercepted by the Israeli military on Monday amid ongoing tensions regarding access to the Gaza Strip. Israel's Foreign Ministry stated that the passengers would be returned to their home countries within hours, while the ship was redirected towards Israeli territorial waters.
Israeli officials have maintained a firm stance, insisting on the enforcement of a long-standing naval blockade on Gaza. The government had previously pledged to obstruct any vessels attempting to breach this blockade, claiming such actions could threaten regional security.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, known for its grassroots campaigns against the blockade, condemned the interception, labeling the incident as a form of "kidnapping" by military forces. As of the latest reports, it remains unclear if any respondents have chosen to contest their deportation.
The episode underscores the persistent humanitarian and political tensions in the region, as activists continue their advocacy for Gaza's relief amidst stringent governmental measures.
