Gaza aid ship with Greta Thunberg aboard seized by Israel
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, 22, and several allies were taken into Israeli custody in international waters early Monday while attempting to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza, which faces a food crisis amid Hamas's ongoing war with Israel.
'The 'selfie yacht' of the 'celebrities' is safely making its way to the shores of Israel,' the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) wrote in a post on the social platform X. 'The passengers are expected to return to their home countries.'
Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament, also was among the passengers on the aid ship taken into custody.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), which organized the Madleen ship to bring supplies to Gaza with Thunberg and others, said in a news release that the vessel was 'attacked/forcibly intercepted by the Israeli military' and that 'its unarmed civilian crew (was) abducted, and its life-saving cargo — including baby formula, food and medical supplies — confiscated.'
'If you see this video, we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by the Israeli occupational forces, or forces that support Israel,' Thunberg said in a pre-recorded video the FFC released.
But the MFA also posted video and photos on social media of Israeli soldiers handing out sandwiches and bottles of water to Thunberg and other flotilla riders.
Israel had vowed to stop the vessel from reaching Gaza, frequently dismissing Madleen as being a 'selfie yacht' for 'celebrities,' and posted video online of a warning signal that it said was issued to the flotilla before Monday's interception.
The MFA said it had legal authority to capture the Madleen because the maritime zone off the coast of Gaza is closed to unauthorized vessels under a legal naval blockade.
'All the passengers of the 'selfie yacht' are safe and unharmed,' the MFA wrote in an update Monday, accusing Thunberg and others of staging a publicity stunt.
'Greta Thunberg is currently on her way to Israel, safe and in good spirits,' the administration added.
The FFC, Thunberg and others have argued that Israeli forces were not allowing enough humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza, prompting their mission.
The International Food Policy Research Institute reported two weeks ago that the 2 million residents of the Gaza Strip are facing a severe food crisis as the war stretches more than a year and a half after Hamas's deadly Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israeli civilians. The leaders of the United Kingdom, France and Canada released a joint statement last month that deemed the 'level of human suffering' in Gaza 'intolerable.'
The Israeli government in an update on the Madleen's capture wrote that the 'tiny amount of aid that was on the yacht and not consumed by the 'celebrities' will be transferred to Gaza through real humanitarian channels.'
'While Greta and others attempted to stage a media provocation whose sole purpose was to gain publicity — and which included less than a single truckload of aid — more than 1,200 aid trucks have entered Gaza from Israel within the past two weeks, and in addition, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has distributed close to 11 million meals directly to civilians in Gaza,' the MFA wrote. 'There are ways to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip — they do not involve Instagram selfies.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Magazine
an hour ago
- Time Magazine
The World is Looking to Europe to ‘Resist,' Says French Foreign Minister
When French President Emmanuel Macron appointed Jean-Noël Barrot last September as his new Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs—the fourth during eight years in power—some feared the 42-year-old economist might be totally eclipsed by the country's kinetic leader. Indeed, Macron has zipped furiously across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia all year, negotiating deals on climate, trade, military assistance, and peace, some of it in an effort to fill an aching vacuum left by Washington. For all that, Barrot, who spent a few years teaching at MIT, has emerged as a fervent voice for his boss's agenda, attempting to give the world a global-minded alternative to an increasingly inward-looking U.S. This week, that contrast is on stark display in the sun-baked Provence city of Nice, where thousands are gathered for the U.N.'s Oceans Conference. The hope is that after five days of talks and speeches, nations will agree to international controls on fishing, deep-sea mining, wildlife conservation, and other issues, in order to stanch the rapid degradation of oceans, crucial to reining in global warming. Delegations of top government officials, presidents, and prime ministers from about 170 countries are among the crowds. Absent: The U.S. At the end of the hectic opening day on Monday, Barrot sat down with TIME to reflect on the impact of a deeply changed global order, and what can be done. TIME: The U.S. administration is not represented here. Did they decline the invitation, or did they never say whether they were coming? Barrot: Everyone was invited. This is a U.N. conference, so any U.N. member country is invited to come. But I cannot help but notice that many U.S. organizations are present. We have U.S. scientists. We have the Mayor of New Orleans, the Mayor of New York, the Mayor of Los Angeles. This is a really crucial global summit. Are you saying it doesn't matter whether the U.S. takes itself out of the whole process? Because of course, it is not just the oceans. One thing is true: Europe will never give up on multilateralism, on cooperation. We believe it is in the interest of mankind, but it's also in our own interests. We're seeing many countries around the world, in Africa, in Latin America, in Southeast Asia, that are looking at France and Europe to resist. They're looking at us and expecting us to resist the temptation by some to go back to confrontation, fears of coercion. And it is our intention to build coalitions whenever traditional multilateral forums are not effective, to show that there is only one way to solve the global issues we're facing, the consequences of which are going to affect our daily lives, [which] is by multilateral means. That feels a bit like you're climbing uphill. You've got to put together a coalition, and build this multilateralism, without a key player involved. No. What I'm saying is that we will defend multilateralism in all areas. We're celebrating the 80th anniversary of the U.N. this year. They built those that came before us. They built a number of multilateral forums for trade, for security, for environment. We're going to defend and support these. But at any point in time when they will not be able to deliver results, because some will oppose them from within, then we will find other ways for multilateral forums and cooperation to exist. The key message is that everyone, every country in the world, is better off with an effective multilateralism. It is not because some countries in the world would like to give up on multilateralism, that we will give up. We will not. This goes beyond oceans. I'm thinking of international trade, of security, of the security architecture coming out of the Second World War, starting with the U.N. Charter that basically says that there is never any pretext for violence and brute force, except for self defense, and except when the Security Council prescribes it. We're seeing these basic principles—that you don't touch my borders and I will not touch yours—being violated. You mean Ukraine? Yes, and other places in the world. We are seeing the Non-Proliferation Treaty being questioned by some countries that are basically close to acquiring nuclear weapons and creating massive instability. I could mention other global goods, such as health, with the World Health Organization. So the whole architecture we've relied on for 80 years. It is weakened. It is going to have to be something new. That is why we're pleading in favor of reform of the Security Council at the U.N., to allow India, Brazil, Germany, Japan, and two African countries to become permanent members. [Since 1945 only the U.S., Britain, France, China, and Russia have been permanent members of the Security Council, holding veto power on votes at the U.N.] If we want international law and multilateral principles to be stronger, we need the institutions to be more representative and legitimate. People have been calling for this for a long time, and it's never happened. Do you see an opportunity now, given what terrible shape multilateralism is in? I think history is accelerating. And for all those who believe in this legacy that came out of the ruins of the Second World War, and that feel responsible for transferring to the next generation the global architecture that does not prevent all countries from having anything bad happen, that has prevented so many of these things over the past decades—if we want this to survive, it's time to act. There are two wars that seem to have no end date. How do you see this ending in Ukraine and in Gaza? So in Gaza, we are calling for an immediate ceasefire. Liberation of hostages held by Hamas and unhindered access of humanitarian help to Gaza. But then, the only alternative to a permanent state of war is a political solution resting on two states living side by side with security guarantees. This is what we're working on in the perspective of the conference that will be taking place in a few days [a U.N. conference in New York on June 18], removing all the obstacles on the path towards such a political solution, because we believe it to be in the interests of the Israeli people, of the Palestinian people—and therefore, in our interests as well, as Europeans. For Ukraine, we need Vladimir Putin to cease fire and to agree to enter into peace negotiations that will comply with the principles of the U.N. Charter. Since he doesn't seem to be sending any signal that he's willing to do that, we're going to build up significant pressure, by coordinating with the efforts led by the U.S. senators to adopt in the next few days a new package of sanctions, targeted to force Putin, allowing for peace negotiation to start. And military security guarantees from Europe too? We need a ceasefire for discussions to start, and then, of course, those discussions will have [to] come to the question of territories and security guarantees. You think you could go ahead without the U.S., or you think that the U.S. will finally come on board? The most important point is for Ukraine to be able to deter any further aggression. This starts with strengthening their own army. A strong army is in itself a powerful deterrent. There are various possible formulas and scenarios that I don't want to present here, some of which indeed include some form of contribution by the U.S. Getting back to the oceans: President Macron told the conference the oceans 'are not for sale.' Everyone, myself included, understood that to refer to President Trump's executive order allowing deep-sea mining. On this, there's no surprise. We've brought together a coalition of more than 30 countries that request a moratorium, or at the very least to apply a precautionary principle to the exploitation of deep seas, and that supports international efforts by the International Seabed Authority to draft a mining code. So it's no surprise [that] when we've seen recent decisions allowing exploitation of the seabed that we would voice our opposition. We're saying it today and we'll say it in the future. But what do you do if the U.S. simply goes ahead and effectively violates international law? What's your recourse? Our mission here in Nice is to highlight the risks of indulging in such seabed exploitation without first taking the time to explore its resources and draft legislation that is going to preserve the resources of the ocean and allow for economic activity with and from the ocean. That's the only way to make such sort of ocean-based economic activity acceptable and sustainable. Do you have international law to enforce that? I mean, at the moment, the enforcement mechanism is a little bit lacking. No. The International Seabed Authority is in the process of drafting a mining code. We support this effort. As far as the high seas is concerned, there is absolutely no regulation. This Treaty on the High Seas [a U.N.-negotiated document which several countries are ratifying in Nice this week] is going to initiate the process. It is going to end up with regulation of 50% of the planet [the oceans] that is subject to absolutely no law, nor any regulation. That adds to various announcements regarding marine protected areas, decarbonization of transportation, the creation of an international organization for the science of the ocean, and the creation of a global coalition of cities and regions. The world is basically taking its destiny in its hands and acting for the ocean. But not the U.S.? Everywhere I'm walking in Nice I am seeing the presence of U.S. scientists, U.S. mayors. We still have some work to do to keep raising awareness, so that everyone around the world understands that there is only one ocean, and that our future is pretty much — very much — connected to it. If we don't act with resolution, the ocean that is our friend and ally can also become an adversary, especially for countries that have coastlines that are exposed to the rising sea levels. This is the biggest ever conference organized on the ocean. We had 4,000 people in 2017 in New York [the first U.N. Oceans Conference], 7,000 in Lisbon in 2022, and over 100,000 people in Nice. President Macron is going to Greenland this weekend. Why? Greenland is European territory. He will be there with the Prime Minister of Denmark. We've been saying repeatedly that European borders are not negotiable. So it's a way to reaffirm this principle, but also to strengthen our cooperation with Greenland. We intend to enhance those links, from scientific cooperation to economic cooperation. Is it a message to the U.S. president too? I think it's more of a message to Greenland. And the testament to our friendship as well.
Fox News
an hour ago
- Fox News
Fox News Politics Newsletter: Hillary ‘Can't Handle the Ratio'
Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump administration, Capitol Hill and more Fox News politics content. Here's what's happening… Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was brutally mocked by critics over a "delusional" X post describing the anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles as "peaceful demonstrations" while pinning blame on President Donald Trump for sowing "chaos" in southern California. "Comments off lol. She can't handle the ratio. This is what Hillary Clinton calls 'peaceful demonstrations,'" popular conservative X account Libs of TikTok posted, referring to how comments on Clinton's post were restricted to only permit ones from accounts Clinton follows on the social media platform and accompanied by footage of the destruction in LA. The message was in response to Clinton posting her first and only comment as of Tuesday morning regarding the Los Angeles riots, describing them as "peaceful demonstrations" before Trump mobilized the National Guard over the weekend…READ MORE. 'DEPRESSION CRISIS': Report gives new details on Trump assassination attempt suspect's 'descent into madness' BIG MUSIC: Trump order to stop 'exploitative ticket scalping' clears way for $1B Live Nation investment in new music venues ROADBLOCK: Federal judge rules Trump admin cannot block grants to LGBT groups ABORT DEPORT: 'Proof is in the pudding': Trump DOJ tells court it will seek dismissal of Abrego Garcia case COURT PUSHBACK: Trump admin may not deport migrant to Congo during immigration proceedings, federal judge rules 'ORCHESTRATED': Trump takes action against 'orchestrated attack' on law enforcement by deploying Marines to LA: Assemblyman RIOT CRACKDOWN: Tom Cotton pushes new crackdown on pro-immigration rioters in Los Angeles, citing ICE assaults TROOPS ON HOME SOIL: Trump mobilizes Marines: Look back at when US presidents have used active duty troops to quell domestic unrest BORDER BATTLE BOIL: Congress steps in amid 'out-of-control' Los Angeles riots as Democrats resist federal help COMMON SENSE: Fetterman calls out 'anarchy' in LA, declaring Dems forfeit 'moral high ground' by failing to decry violence SUPERCUT: WATCH: Democrats, media outlets insist L.A. anti-ICE riots are 'peaceful' despite violence, injured officers FUELING THE FIRE: California sheriff says Newsom 'encouraged' LA riots as ICE arrests violent illegal aliens 'DISAPPOINTING': Iran becoming 'much more aggressive' in nuclear talks, Trump tells Fox News 'OUTRAGEOUS': Five countries hit controversial Israeli politicians with sanctions and travel bans TERROR TAKEDOWN: Israel's navy hits Houthis in Yemen in 'unique' strike after Trump promises end to US ops KICKED OUT: Greta Thunberg deported from Israel after Gaza-bound 'selfie yacht' was seized BUDGET BATTLE: Republicans challenge 'irrelevant' budget office as it critiques Trump's 'beautiful bill' LAW AND ORDER: Hegseth defends National Guard LA deployments, says ICE agents must be protected 'ENOUGH IS ENOUGH': 'Enough is enough': GOP rep calls for official probe into time it took for LAPD to help assaulted ICE officers 'DO THE RIGHT THING': GOP unveils new weapon to help slash billions in government waste as Republicans rally behind Trump's plan 'THERE IS A GAP': House Dem grills Hegseth on submarine spending plans: 'Give us the details' REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK: How the House is technically done with the 'big, beautiful bill' MEMORIAL MISSTEP: NY lawmaker lambastes failed commemoration of Oct 7 attack, as Dem leadership accused of 'antisemitism' 'NOT ABOVE THE LAW': Milwaukee judge not immune from charges after allegedly helping illegal immigrant evade ICE, prosecutors say RED LINE: Blue city mayor vows 'no tolerance' for anti-ICE violence as LA riots unfold Get the latest updates on the Trump administration and Congress, exclusive interviews and more on
Boston Globe
an hour ago
- Boston Globe
UK and others sanction two far-right Israeli Cabinet ministers for ‘inciting extremist violence'
They could now face asset freezes and travel bans. In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of the five countries said Ben-Gvir and Smotrich 'have incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights. Extremist rhetoric advocating the forced displacement of Palestinians and the creation of new Israeli settlements is appalling and dangerous.' UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the two men 'have been inciting violence against Palestinian people for months and months and months' and 'encouraging egregious abuses of human rights.' Advertisement 'These measures are directed at individuals who directly contribute to extremist settler violence,' said Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand. 'The measures are not directed against the state of Israel itself.' Smotrich wrote on social media that he learned of the sanctions while he was inaugurating a new West Bank settlement. 'We are determined to continue building,' he said. Advertisement Ben-Gvir, also writing on social media, said 'we overcame Pharoah, we'll overcome Starmer's Wall,' referring to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Israel's government condemned the announcement, which came as traditional allies of Israel escalate denouncements of Israel's actions in Gaza, from the high civilian death toll to a months-long blockade that led to famine warnings. Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called the sanctions decision 'outrageous.' He said he had discussed it with Netanyahu and they would meet next week to discuss Israel's response. He said that the move threatened to harden Hamas' stance in ongoing negotiations to end the war in Gaza and to cut short Israel's operation in Gaza before it achieves its goals. Benny Gantz, a centrist Israeli lawmaker and political rival to Netanyahu, wrote he 'vehemently' disagreed with Smotrich and Ben-Gvir, but said the move was 'profound moral mistake and sends a dangerous message to terrorists around the world.' Netanyahu is the target of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court last year over alleged war crimes in Gaza, part of a global wave of outrage at Israel's conduct during its 20-month war against Hamas. Netanyahu has denied the allegations and accused the court of being biased against Israel. The Biden administration took the rare step of sanctioning radical Israeli settlers implicated in violence in the occupied West Bank — sanctions that were lifted by President Trump. Eitay Mack, an Israeli human rights lawyer who spent years campaigning for the sanctions on Smotrich and Ben-Gvir — along with violent West Bank settlers — described Tuesday's move as 'historic.' 'It means the wall of immunity that Israeli politicians had has been broken,' he said. 'It's unbelievable that it took so long for Western governments to sanction Israeli politicians, and the fact that it's being done while Trump is president is quite amazing.' Advertisement Mack added: 'It is a message to Netanyahu himself that he could be next.' Israel captured the West Bank, along with east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, in the 1967 Mideast war. The Palestinians want all three territories for a future state. Successive Israeli governments have promoted settlement growth and construction stretching back decades. It has exploded under Netanyahu's far-right coalition, which has settlers in key Cabinet posts. There are now well over 100 settlements across the West Bank that house more than 500,000 settlers. The settlers have Israeli citizenship, while the territory's 3 million Palestinians live under Israeli military rule, with the Palestinian Authority administering population centers. Most of the international community considers the settlements illegal, and Palestinians see them as the greatest obstacle to an eventual two-state solution, which is still seen internationally as the only way to resolve the conflict.
