All we know as Greta Thunberg 'kidnapped' after Israel intercepts aid flotilla
The 22-year-old activist took to social media to state she was 'kidnapped' after the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) said the Madleen vessel was intercepted early today
Greta Thunberg's Gaza aid vessel has been stopped before landing in Israel, with the activist claiming she was "kidnapped" and calling on the Swedish government to help.
The 22-year-old's Madleen aid flotilla, which was en route to Gaza, had been travelling for several days after departing Sicily on Friday. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), the organisation responsible for the yacht, said it was carrying humanitarian aid and said the vessel, which departed Italy on Friday, was "prepared for the possibility of an Israeli attack" before claiming it was "forcibly intercepted" by Israeli officials.
Israeli authorities stopped the vessel around 160 nautical miles before it reached the Gaza coast, with defence minister Israel Katz saying the state would "act against any attempt to break the blockade or assist terrorist organisations".
Vessel blocked from entering Israel early in the morning
Israeli authorities intercepted the Madleen early in the morning at around 5.30am local time as it wound near the Egyptian coast, it has been reported, with the FFC raising the alarm via Telegram.
Posting a picture of the crew wearing life jackets and sitting with their arms raised, the group said: "SOS! The volunteers on Madleen have been kidnapped by Israeli forces."
Greta's 'kidnap' claims
Ms Thunberg has claimed she and her fellow crewmembers were "kidnapped" when they were intercepted at the coast trying to cross an Israeli blockade. The group of 12 had recorded videos ahead of time for their loved ones that would be released in the event something to happened to them.
Ms Thunberg said in hers that the team was "intercepted and kidnapped in international waters" by "forces that support Israel" and urged her loved ones to "put pressure on the Swedish government" for a response.
She said: "I urge all my friends, family and comrades to put pressure on the Swedish government to release me and the others as soon as possible."
Israel has denied this, saying in a post on X that activists aboard the boat were "unharmed" and were now making their way to Israel "safely".
Israel's response
Israel Katz, Israel's Minister of Defence, has vocally responded to the situation with the boat via social media, in one post saying he instructed the IDF to prevent the boat landing on Gaza, claiming it was a "hate flotilla".
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), of which the Madleen is part, is a grassroots activist organisation that is working to reach Palestinians through what it claims is a 17-year blockade that is causing an "ongoing humanitarian crisis".
He said: "I have instructed the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] to act to prevent the 'Madeleine' [sic] hate flotilla from reaching the shores of Gaza - and to take whatever measures are necessary to that end." He then spoke directly to the crew, members of whom he sensationally claimed were "antisemitic".
He said: "To the antisemitic Greta and her fellow Hamas propaganda spokespeople, I say clearly: You should turn back - because you will not reach Gaza. Israel will act against any attempt to break the blockade or assist terrorist organisations – at sea, in the air, and on land."
Palestine's response
Palestinian authorities have also stepped into the discourse, with West Bank officials calling for activists on board the Madleen to be protected.
The Palestinian defence ministry called the activists' actions "noble" and said, also in a post on X, that it "salutes the international solidarity activists aboard the ship attempting to break the siege on the Gaza Strip".
UN's calls for aid
The incident has also captured the attention of the United Nations, with the UN's special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories urging boats to continue challenging the blockade.
Francesca Albanese said: "While Madleen must be released immediately, every Mediterranean port should send boats with aid, solidarity, and humanity to Gaza. They shall sail together - united, they will be unstoppable."
Ms Albanese also reached out to the British government, asking ministers to "urgently seek full clarification" and "secure the immediate release of the vessel and its crew".
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Scottish Sun
34 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Meet London-based ‘Hamas operative' behind Greta Thunberg's ‘Freedom Flotilla' stunt that was foiled by Israel
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MAN accused in parliament of being a Hamas operative based in London was one of the organisers of Greta Thunberg's "Freedom Flotilla", it has emerged. Zaher Birawi, who has been photographed with slain Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, was present at the launch of the British-flagged yacht Madleen. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Zaher Al-Birawi, who is close to the Hamas leadership, speaks at anti-Israel protest in London 7 Mr Birawi pictured with Ismael Haniyeh, the former Hamas Leader, in 2012 Credit: Courtesy of Ministry of Strategic Affairs 7 Greta Thunberg is offered a sandwich by an Israeli soldier Credit: Alamy Live News 7 A photo posted on Telegram purportedly showing activists with their hands up on board the Madleen Credit: Freedom Flotilla Coalition As a Palestinian-British journalist, Mr Birawi is chair of the International Committee to Break the Siege of Gaza. 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He said: 'I have been made aware of the fact that the Member of Parliament for Bury South, Christian Wakefield, made a reference to my name in the proceedings of the House of Commons on October 26. 'Regrettably, this mention appears to have been motivated by an intent to besmirch my character and, potentially, to rationalise any harm that may befall me or my family. 'In a time when we should all exercise vigilance and contemplate the potential consequences of our words, particularly their capacity to incite violence and animosity, Mr Wakefield chose a contrary course of action. 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The Herald Scotland
38 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
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The Herald Scotland
38 minutes ago
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Hamas has said it will only release the remaining hostages in return for a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal. Israel says it will continue the war until all the captives are returned and Hamas is defeated or disarmed and sent into exile. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that even then, Israel will maintain open-ended control over Gaza and facilitate what he refers to as the voluntary emigration of much of its population to other countries, a plan rejected by most of the international community, including the Palestinians, who view it as a blueprint for their forcible expulsion.
