Greta Thunberg Intercepted By Israel In Boat To Gaza
In the early hours of the morning, Greta Thunberg and members of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition were intercepted by Israeli forces.
Here's everything we know so far:
What is the Freedom Flotilla Coalition?
In their own words, they're "a grassroots people-to-people solidarity movement composed of campaigns and initiatives from different parts of the world, working together to end the illegal Israeli blockade of Gaza." They've sent a number of boats to Gaza, which has had its land, sea, and air blockaded by Israel since 2007. Aid to Gaza has been severely limited recently, resulting in mass starvation. Palestinians have been killed by Israeli gunfire en route to get food. Israel has maintained that "the maritime zone off the coast of Gaza is closed to unauthorized vessels under a legal naval blockade, consistent with international law."
What was going on with the Madleen?
Madleen is the name of the boat that set sail for Gaza on June 1. The ship contained emergency supplies, such as food, baby formula, and medical products. As Greta put it, 'We are seeing a systematic starvation of 2 million people. The world cannot be silent bystanders, Every single one of us has a moral obligation to do everything we can to fight for a free Palestine.'To a certain extent, the trip is symbolic. As Amnesty International's Secretary General notes, 'During its voyage over the past few days the Madleen's mission emerged as a powerful symbol of solidarity with besieged, starved and suffering Palestinians amid persistent international inaction. However, this very mission is also an indictment of the international community's failure to put an end to Israel's inhumane blockade. Activists would not have needed to risk their lives had Israel's allies translated their rhetoric into forceful action to allow aid into Gaza."
Who was on it?
12 people from various countries. This included Greta and European Parliament Member Rima Hassan, as well as a journalist.
How did people react to the mission?
Depends on who you ask. Senator Lindsey Graham posted, "Hope Greta and her friends can swim!" Critics have repeatedly referred to it as the "selfie yacht."
Were they doing anything illegal?
No. A number of UN experts called for safe passage of the boat and said, 'As the Freedom Flotilla Coalition's ship approaches Palestinian territorial waters off Gaza, Israel must adhere to international law and comply with orders from the International Court of Justice to ensure unimpeded access for humanitarian aid." Amnesty International has called the detention of the crew illegal.
What did Greta say about the boat being intercepted?
In a prerecorded message posted to her Instagram account, Greta said, "My name is Greta Thunberg and I am from Sweden. If you see this video, we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by the Israeli occupational forces, or forces that support Israel. 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."
The Israel Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying, "The 'selfie yacht' carrying Greta Thunberg and the other so-called 'celebrities' is continuing its journey toward an Israeli port. Upon arrival, arrangements will be made for their return to their respective home countries." They further posted a video saying that the members of the ship were "safe and unharmed" and "provided with sandwiches and water." Israel's defence minister, Israel Katz, further said they will be shown footage of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. Israel has further claimed that "more than 1,200 aid trucks have entered Gaza from Israel within the past two weeks" and "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." It's worth noting that the UN has estimated that around 600 trucks would be needed daily.
How have foreign governments reacted?
French officials have called for the swift return of their citizens. The Turkish Foreign Ministry said that the incident "once again demonstrates that Israel is acting as a terror state." Spain has called on its top Israeli diplomat in Madrid.
We'll keep you posted with updates.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
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.
Chicago Tribune
an hour ago
- Chicago Tribune
Israel deports Greta Thunberg after Gaza-bound ship she was on was seized
JERUSALEM — Israel deported activist Greta Thunberg on Tuesday, a day after the Gaza-bound ship she was on was seized by the Israeli military. Speaking upon arrival in Paris en route to her home country of Sweden, Thunberg called for the release of the other activists who were detained aboard the Madleen. She described a 'quite chaotic and uncertain' situation during the detention. The conditions they faced 'are absolutely nothing compared to what people are going through in Palestine and especially Gaza right now,' she said. The trip was meant to protest Israeli restrictions on aid to Gaza's population of over 2 million people after 20 months of war, according to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the group behind the journey. 'We were well aware of the risks of this mission,' Thunberg said. 'The aim was to get to Gaza and to be able to distribute the aid.' She said the activists would continue trying to get aid to Gaza. On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump called Thunberg 'a young angry person' and recommended she take anger management classes. 'I think the world need a lot more young angry women,' Thunberg said Tuesday in response. Thunberg said it appeared she was headed back to Sweden, hadn't had access to a phone in a few days and wanted a shower. The activists were held separately and some had trouble accessing lawyers, she added. Asked why she agreed to deportation, she said, 'Why would I want to stay in an Israeli prison more than necessary?' Thunberg called on supporters to ask their governments 'to demand not only humanitarian aid being let into Gaza but most importantly an end to the occupation and an end to the systemic oppression and violence that Palestinians are facing on an everyday basis.' She said recognizing Palestine is 'the very, very, very minimum' that governments can do to help. Thunberg was one of 12 passengers on the Madleen. Israeli naval forces seized the boat without incident early Monday about 200 kilometers (125 miles) off Gaza. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, along with rights groups, said Israel's actions in international waters were a violation of international law. Israel rejects that charge, saying such ships intend to breach what it argues is a lawful naval blockade of Gaza. Israel viewed the ship as a publicity stunt, calling it the 'selfie yacht' with a 'meager' amount of aid that amounted to less than a truckload. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition said three activists, including Thunberg, had been deported along with a journalist. It said it had encouraged some to do it so they could speak freely about their experiences. 'Their detention is unlawful, politically motivated and a direct violation of international law,' the coalition said in a statement. Eight other passengers refused deportation and are being detained at Givon prison in Ramle. On Tuesday, Israeli authorities heard their cases at a detention tribunal. 'We argued today, and that also was emphasized by all the activists, that their goal is to enter humanitarian aid to Gaza, to end the famine and to end a genocide in Gaza,' said Lubna Tuma, a lawyer with legal rights group Adalah, who is representing the activists. 'Any violation or any prohibition to entering the humanitarian aid to Gaza is deepening the complicity of Israel in the famine in Gaza.' Legal representatives for the group said that because Israeli seized their vessel in international waters and forcibly transported them to Israeli territory, Israel had no authority to detain or deport them. Sabine Haddad, a spokeswoman for Israel's Interior Ministry, said the activists who were being deported Tuesday had waived their right to appear before a judge. The others have a hearing with the judge and will be held for 96 hours before being deported, she said. Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament who is of Palestinian descent, was among the passengers. She has previously been barred from entering Israel because of her opposition to Israeli policies toward the Palestinians. It was not clear whether she was being immediately deported or detained. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said one of the detained French activists signed an expulsion order and would leave Tuesday. The other five refused. He said all the activists received consular visits. Sergio Toribio, a Spanish activist, slammed Israel's actions after he arrived in Barcelona. 'It is unforgivable, it is a violation of our rights. It is a pirate attack in international waters,' he told reporters. Palestinians in Gaza are now almost completely dependent on international aid. Israel and Egypt have imposed varying degrees of a blockade on Gaza since Hamas seized power from rival Palestinian forces in 2007. Israel says the blockade is needed to prevent Hamas from importing arms, while critics say it amounts to collective punishment of Gaza's Palestinian population. During the 20-month-long war in Gaza, Israel has restricted and sometimes blocked all aid into the territory, including food, fuel and medicine. Experts say that policy has pushed Gaza toward famine. Israel asserts that Hamas siphons off the aid to bolster its rule. Hamas killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that ignited the war and took 251 hostages, most released in ceasefire agreements or other deals. Hamas still holds 55 hostages, more than half believed to be dead. Israel's military campaign has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which doesn't distinguish between civilians and combatants but has said women and children make up most of the dead. The war has destroyed vast areas of Gaza and displaced around 90% of the territory's population.
