Latest news with #IsraeliNavy
Roya News
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Roya News
‘Selfie yacht' jab backfires on 'Israel' as soldiers' posts resurface
Israeli Occupation's attempt to discredit the humanitarian aid flotilla Madleen by calling it a 'selfie yacht' has drawn sharp backlash online, with users accusing the government of hypocrisy and highlighting 'Israeli' soldiers' own social media behavior during the ongoing war on Gaza. 'Israeli' Foreign Ministry had mocked the Madleen, a boat carrying pro-Palestinian activists and humanitarian aid bound for Gaza, by labeling it the 'selfie yacht,' suggesting it was more of a photo opportunity than a serious mission. The Israeli Navy is currently communicating with the 'selfie yacht'. Using an international civilian communication system, the Israeli Navy has instructed the 'selfie yacht' to change its course due to its approach toward a restricted area. — Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) June 8, 2025 That jab quickly sparked a wave of posts pointing out the irony. In one viral post on X, Assal Rad, a fellow at DAWN, responded with a photograph of 'Israeli' soldiers posing for a selfie in front of rubble in Gaza, captioned 'selfie yacht.' 'Selfie yacht' — Assal Rad (@AssalRad) June 9, 2025 Mitchell Plitnick, president of ReThinking Foreign Policy, also weighed in, sharing similar images and asking, 'The Israeli government calls the humanitarian flotilla, the Madleen 'the selfie yacht'. So what do we call the Israeli army?' The #Israeli government calls the humanitarian flotilla, the #Madleen"the selfie yacht." So what do we call the Israeli army? — Mitchell Plitnick (@MJPlitnick) June 9, 2025 Since the start of the 'Israeli' ground invasion in late 2023, numerous photos and videos have emerged online showing 'Israeli' soldiers smiling, dancing, or making light of the destruction around them, often with Gaza's ruins as the backdrop. Some clips even show soldiers mocking displaced Palestinians, further fueling outrage over the double standard. Critics argue that Israeli Occupation's attempt to delegitimize peaceful aid missions, while its own soldiers document themselves amid devastation, only reinforces perceptions of indifference and insensitivity toward Palestinian suffering.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
IDF detains Gaza-bound vessel carrying Greta Thunberg: ‘The show is over'
Israeli forces early Monday detained an aid boat bound for Gaza while carrying Greta Thunberg and other activists. The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed that it detained the Madleen, along with all its passengers, and diverted the vessel to Israel. A video from the ministry posted on X shows an Israeli Navy officer engaging with the approaching "selfie yacht." Israel Vows To 'Act Accordingly' As Thunberg Sails Toward Gaza On Palestinian-flagged Vessel "Using an international civilian communication system, the Israeli Navy has instructed the 'selfie yacht' to change its course due to its approach toward a restricted area," a post from the ministry read. The video shows a Navy officer telling them that the maritime of the Gaza coast is closed to traffic. She instructs the activists on board that they must deliver aid through established channels. Read On The Fox News App The Israel Foreign Ministry said the passengers were "safe and unharmed" and had been provided sandwiches and water. "The show is over," the ministry said. Israel had vowed to stop the so-called Freedom Flotilla Coalition in the days leading up to its arrival. Third Round Of Hostage Releases Begins As Part Of Hamas' Gaza Ceasefire Agreement With Israel Thunberg, a 22-year-old climate activist from Sweden, set sail aboard the Madleen last week, hoisting a Palestinian flag with 11 other activists, including "Game of Thrones" actor Liam Cunningham and Rima Hassa, a French member of the European Parliament who is of Palestinian descent. The groups' aim was to reach the shores of the Gaza Strip to bring in some aid and raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis there. According to the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs, the aid on the ship was less than a single truckload. "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," the ministry said. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the IDF to screen the footage of October 7 to participants of the Gaza-bound flotilla. Fox News Digital's Louis Casiano contributed to this report. Original article source: IDF detains Gaza-bound vessel carrying Greta Thunberg: 'The show is over'
News18
7 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Who Is Greta Thunberg And Why Was She On The Gaza-Bound Boat Intercepted By Israel?
Last Updated: Greta Thunberg was on board Gaza-bound Madleen, but Israeli forces intercepted and redirected the vessel, calling the mission a media stunt aimed at breaching its naval blockade On 9 June 2025, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg once again made global headlines, not for her climate activism but for her presence on board a Gaza-bound aid ship that was intercepted by the Israeli Navy. The vessel, Madleen, had set sail from Catania, Sicily, on 1 June 2025, carrying humanitarian supplies as part of a flotilla organised by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition to challenge Israel's naval blockade on Gaza. The interception, which took place in international waters approximately 20 nautical miles off Egypt's coast, has reignited debate over the enforcement of maritime blockades, international law, and Gaza's humanitarian crisis. Who Is Greta Thunberg? Greta Thunberg is a 22-year-old activist from Sweden who first attracted global attention in 2018, when she began a school strike outside the Swedish Parliament calling for stronger action on climate change. Her campaign, which came to be known as Fridays for Future, gained widespread traction internationally, with similar protests taking place in multiple countries. In 2019, Thunberg addressed the United Nations Climate Action Summit, a speech that received extensive global media coverage. She was later named TIME Magazine's Person of the Year for 2019. Over the years, she has been involved in various protests and conferences related to climate policy, often promoting the reduction of carbon footprints, including choosing alternative modes of transport to avoid air travel. In addition to environmental issues, Thunberg has also participated in advocacy related to broader humanitarian and political matters, including speaking out on conflicts in Ukraine, Armenia, and most recently, Gaza. In June 2025, Greta Thunberg joined a mission organised by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), a group that has repeatedly attempted to sail vessels towards Gaza in defiance of Israel's naval blockade, which has been in place since 2007 following Hamas's takeover of the territory. Israel maintains that the blockade is necessary to prevent weapons and military equipment from reaching Hamas and other militant groups operating in Gaza. The vessel involved in the latest attempt, a British-flagged yacht named 'Madleen', departed from the port of Catania, Sicily, on 1 June 2025. Onboard were 12 activists, including Thunberg, along with a limited quantity of supplies such as baby formula, medical kits, water purification devices, flour, rice, nappies, and prosthetics. While the amount of aid was relatively small compared to Gaza's broader humanitarian needs, organisers said the primary aim was to publicly challenge Israel's naval blockade, which they argue contributes to the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The mission drew comparisons to the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident, when Israeli forces intercepted a larger flotilla attempting to breach the blockade. That operation led to clashes, resulting in nine deaths and widespread diplomatic fallout. While organisers described the latest voyage as peaceful, Israeli authorities characterised it as a deliberate provocation designed to challenge Israel's maritime security enforcement and potentially assist groups hostile to Israel. The SOS Video Before Interception In the hours leading up to the interception, a pre-recorded SOS video featuring Greta Thunberg was released on social media by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. The video, recorded in anticipation of possible Israeli action, was published shortly after contact with the vessel was lost. In the clip, Thunberg says: '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. Pressure your foreign ministries to release me and the others as soon as possible." SOS! the volunteers on 'Madleen' have been kidnapped by Israeli Thunberg is a Swedish their foreign ministries and help us keep them safe!Web: X : @SweMFA FB : @SweMFA IG : swedishmfa #AllEyesOnMadeleen — Freedom Flotilla Coalition (@GazaFFlotilla) June 9, 2025 The video quickly drew international attention, generating extensive coverage across global media outlets and amplifying the flotilla's campaign. In response, Israeli officials described the mission as part of a broader public relations effort aimed at generating diplomatic pressure and portraying Israel's maritime enforcement actions in a negative light. In additional official statements on X, Israel's Foreign Ministry referred to the intercepted vessel as a 'selfie yacht", and emphasised that all activists were 'safe, unharmed, and receiving food and water" after being brought to port. All the passengers of the 'selfie yacht' are safe and unharmed. They were provided with sandwiches and water. The show is over. — Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) June 9, 2025 How Did The Interception Unfold? On the night of June 8-9, the Madleen was intercepted by the Israeli Navy approximately 20 nautical miles off the Egyptian coast — still in international waters. According to the Freedom Flotilla activists, Israeli forces used drones that sprayed irritant substances onto the yacht's deck, ordered passengers to discard their phones and navigation devices, and forcibly took control of the vessel. Live streams from the ship were cut off during the operation, adding to the drama. The activists described the boarding as 'piracy" and 'state kidnapping," alleging that they were violently intercepted while attempting a peaceful humanitarian mission. The Israeli military, however, rejected these accusations, stating that the interception was necessary to enforce the blockade, which they argue prevents potential weapons smuggling by groups such as Hamas. After taking control, Israeli authorities redirected the vessel to the Israeli port of Ashdod. The activists were detained, processed, provided food and water, and are set to be deported. The humanitarian aid carried onboard would be inspected and, after clearance, transferred to Gaza via official Israeli-controlled crossings. Why Does Israel Maintain A Naval Blockade On Gaza? Israel imposed the naval blockade on Gaza in 2007, shortly after Hamas — which Israel, the United States, and the European Union designate as a terrorist organisation — seized control of the coastal territory. According to Israeli authorities, the blockade is a critical security measure designed to prevent the smuggling of weapons, explosives, and dual-use materials that could be used for military purposes. Israel argues that Hamas has repeatedly used smuggling routes, including tunnels and maritime channels, to bring in rockets, missiles, and other military equipment that have been used in attacks on Israeli civilians. To this day, Israel insists that any attempt to breach the blockade, even for humanitarian reasons, threatens its national security, as such breaches could potentially be exploited by militant groups. What Does International Maritime Law Say? The legality of Israel's blockade sits at the centre of an ongoing international legal debate. Under the San Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflicts at Sea (1994), naval blockades are permitted during armed conflict if certain conditions are met: the blockade must be declared, must not starve the civilian population, must allow essential humanitarian aid, and neutral vessels attempting to breach it may be intercepted even in international waters. Israel argues that its blockade complies with these provisions, citing its 2007 notification and security concerns regarding Hamas's military activities. However, many international organisations, including several United Nations bodies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), argue that the Gaza blockade amounts to collective punishment, severely restricting Gaza's civilian population from accessing food, medicine, water, fuel, and other essentials. While the San Remo Manual allows for enforcement in international waters, critics argue that any interception must still meet proportionality tests and avoid violating fundamental human rights. Whether Israel's specific enforcement actions meet those standards remains a contested legal question now before international courts. What Happens Next? All 12 activists aboard the Madleen, including Greta Thunberg, were taken into Israeli custody after the vessel was redirected to Ashdod. On Monday, Israel's Foreign Ministry confirmed via social media: 'Greta Thunberg is currently on her way to Israel, safe and in good spirits." Greta Thunberg is currently on her way to Israel, safe and in good spirits. — Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) June 9, 2025 In a series of posts on X, the Ministry took a sharply critical tone towards the flotilla, referring to the intercepted vessel as a 'selfie yacht" carrying 'celebrities" engaged in what it described as a media stunt aimed purely at generating publicity. Using pointed language, Israeli officials said the activists' cargo amounted to less than a single truckload of aid, while accusing them of attempting to turn the delivery into an 'Instagram selfies" operation rather than a genuine humanitarian effort. top videos View all The 'selfie yacht" of the 'celebrities" is safely making its way to the shores of Israel. The passengers are expected to return to their home Greta and others attempted to stage a media provocation whose sole purpose was to gain publicity — and which included… — Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) June 9, 2025 The Foreign Ministry also remarked that the 'tiny amount of aid that was on the yacht and not consumed by the 'celebrities'" would be transferred to Gaza through established humanitarian channels, after undergoing standard inspection. Israeli officials contrasted the flotilla's symbolic cargo with ongoing official relief operations, noting that over 1,200 aid trucks had entered Gaza from Israel in the preceding two weeks, with close to 11 million meals distributed to civilians via the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Gaza aid greta thunberg israel Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 09, 2025, 11:23 IST News world Who Is Greta Thunberg And Why Was She On The Gaza-Bound Boat Intercepted By Israel?
Spectator
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Spectator
Greta Thunberg should thank Israel for intercepting her Gaza selfie ship
Once again, the Mediterranean has hosted a familiar theatre of self-satisfied spectacle. This time, however, the curtain has come down swiftly. The latest vessel to set sail in defiance of Israel's naval blockade of Gaza – the Madleen, a boat bloated with virtue signalling and the vanity of performative compassion – has been intercepted by the Israeli Navy. The operation was executed peacefully and without casualties by fighters from Fleet 13, Israel's naval commando forces. The ship is now making its way safely to the port of Ashdod, its dozen passengers – including Greta Thunberg, the climate whinger turned omni-cause moral voice – healthy, unharmed, and provided with sandwiches (individually wrapped in plastic, sorry Greta) and water. The Israeli Foreign Ministry left no doubt about the farcical nature of this voyage: 'There are ways to provide aid to the Gaza Strip – they don't involve Instagram selfies.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Israeli forces stop aid ship carrying activists from reaching Gaza
Activists say Israeli troops have boarded a yacht trying to bring humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, in defiance of an Israeli naval blockade Climate activist Greta Thunberg is among those aboard the vessel Israel's foreign ministry said earlier that the country's navy had told the yacht to change course It later said the yacht was "safely making its way to the shores of Israel" Citizens of Brazil, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Turkey are onboard Israeli forces stop aid ship carrying activists from reaching Gaza
