Israeli commandos prevent aid boat carrying Greta Thunberg and activists from reaching Gaza

Israel’s Foreign Ministry says a Gaza-bound aid boat carrying Greta Thunberg and other activists has been diverted to Israel
THE GREEK COURIER
SOURCE: Associated Press
June 8, 2025

JERUSALEM — Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound aid boat carrying Greta Thunberg and other activists early Monday, diverting it to Israel. The action enforces a blockade of the Palestinian territory, which has been intensified during the conflict with Hamas.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated, “The ‘selfie yacht’ of the ‘celebrities’ is safely making its way to the shores of Israel,” indicating that the passengers would return to their home countries. Humanitarian aid on board the ship will be transferred to Gaza through established channels.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organized the voyage to deliver humanitarian aid and protest the blockade, claimed the activists had been “kidnapped by Israeli forces” and released pre-recorded messages from them. Among the activists was Thunberg, part of a group of 12 aboard the ship Madleen, which had set sail from Sicily. The vessel had previously rescued four migrants attempting to evade detention by the Libyan coast guard.

Rima Hassan, a French MEP of Palestinian descent, was also on board but has been barred from entering Israel due to her opposition to its policies.

Following a two-and-a-half-month blockade aimed at pressuring Hamas, Israel began allowing limited humanitarian aid into Gaza last month. However, humanitarian workers warn of potential famine unless the blockade is fully lifted.

A previous attempt by the Freedom Flotilla to reach Gaza failed when one of its vessels was attacked by drones in international waters off Malta; the group attributed the attack to Israel.

Israel and Egypt have maintained a blockade on Gaza since Hamas took control in 2007, with critics labeling it collective punishment for the region's population of approximately 2 million.

In early October 2023, Israel sealed Gaza from all aid following a Hamas-led attack that killed around 1,200 people and resulted in the abduction of 251 hostages. While some hostages have been released, Hamas continues to hold 55, with many believed dead.

Israel's military operations have reportedly resulted in over 54,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The war has led to widespread destruction and displaced about 90% of Gaza's population, increasing reliance on international aid.