Greta Thunberg Says She Has Been Kidnapped by Israeli Forces-What We Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound aid vessel on Monday and detained its passengers, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, amid ongoing restrictions on access to the Palestinian territory.
Why It Matters
The civilian vessel, named Madleen and operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), was stopped in international waters. The Israeli military stated that the interception was part of enforcement measures related to its longstanding naval blockade of Gaza. The FFC said the group was attempting to deliver humanitarian aid, including food, baby formula and medical supplies.
According to Israel's Foreign Ministry, the Madleen was redirected to the Israeli port of Ashdod, and the passengers would be returned to their countries of origin. The ministry released a video showing the activists wearing life vests and receiving food and water. In a statement posted online, it described the ship as a "selfie yacht" and said the aid would be transferred to Gaza through established procedures.
Greta Thunberg meets with journalists in Catania, Italy on June 1, 2025, ahead of departure to Gaza.
Greta Thunberg meets with journalists in Catania, Italy on June 1, 2025, ahead of departure to Gaza.
/Salvatore Cavalli/AP Photo
What To Know
In a pre-recorded video released by the FFC, Thunberg said: "If you see this video, we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by the Israeli occupational forces, or forces that support Israel."
The FFC had advised participants to prepare for interception and recorded messages in advance.
SOS! the volunteers on 'Madleen' have been kidnapped by Israeli forces.
Greta Thunberg is a Swedish citizen.
Pressure their foreign ministries and help us keep them safe!
Web: https://t.co/uCGmx8sn8j
X : @SweMFA
FB : @SweMFA
IG : swedishmfa#AllEyesOnMadeleen pic.twitter.com/76Myrg2Bnz — Freedom Flotilla Coalition (@GazaFFlotilla) June 9, 2025
The Israeli government stated that unauthorized attempts to breach the blockade are "unlawful" and "undermine ongoing humanitarian efforts."
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said he instructed the Israel Defense Forces to prevent the Madleen from reaching Gaza and that the passengers would be shown a video of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks upon their arrival in Israel.
Israel and Egypt have maintained a blockade of Gaza since 2007, following the takeover of the territory by Hamas. Israel says the restrictions are aimed at preventing the import of weapons and materials used by militant groups; and that all passengers "are safe and unharmed."
Hamas, which governs Gaza, called the interception "a flagrant violation of international law" and said the activists were "civilian volunteers acting out of humanitarian motives." The group has demanded their immediate release and called on the United Nations and other international organizations to intervene.
All the passengers of the 'selfie yacht' are safe and unharmed. They were provided with sandwiches and water. The show is over. pic.twitter.com/tLZZYcspJO — Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) June 9, 2025
The United Nations has raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where more than 2 million people reside. A UN-backed assessment warned in April 2025 that one in five residents faced starvation. The Gaza Health Ministry reports more than 54,000 fatalities in the territory since the conflict escalated in October 2023. Israel's campaign followed a Hamas-led attack in which 1,200 people were killed and over 250 were taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities.
The FFC, founded in 2010, has organized multiple attempts to challenge the blockade. Last month, another vessel in its fleet, the Conscience, was damaged in what the group alleged was a drone strike off the coast of Malta. The Israeli military did not comment on that incident. The Madleen had departed Sicily on June 1.
What Happens Next?
Israeli authorities have indicated that the detained activists will be processed and repatriated. As of Monday, they were being transported to Ashdod.
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