Israeli forces have intercepted and diverted the 'Madleen', a British-flagged aid yacht carrying activists, including climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, which was attempting to breach Israel's sea blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The incident occurred early on Monday, June 9th, 2025, with the vessel, operated by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), subsequently directed to the Israeli port of Ashdod.

According to the Israeli foreign ministry, the 'Madleen' was "safely making its way to the shores of Israel." All passengers were stated to be unharmed and were provided with food and water, with the ministry sharing footage of this. The ministry also mentioned that the yacht had been told to change course "due to its approach toward a restricted area."

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced he has instructed the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) to screen footage of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks for those aboard the 'Madleen' upon their arrival at Ashdod Port. Mr. Katz stated, "Antisemitic Greta and her Hamas-supporting friends should see exactly what the Hamas terrorist organisation - which they came to support and act on behalf of - truly is," adding they should witness the "atrocities committed against women, the elderly, and children." He commended the IDF for the "swift and safe takeover" of the vessel and affirmed Israel's commitment to its ongoing fight against Hamas.

The Israeli foreign ministry indicated that the activists aboard the 'Madleen', including Ms. Thunberg who was described as "safe and in good spirits," are expected to be returned to their home countries. The humanitarian aid carried by the yacht, which included items like rice and baby formula, is slated to be transferred to Gaza through established channels. The ministry also referred to the vessel as the "'selfie yacht' of the 'celebrities'."

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) presented a contrasting account of the events, claiming the passengers on the yacht had been "kidnapped by Israeli forces." The group released pre-recorded messages from activists after stating that the "Israeli army had boarded" the vessel. The FFC also reported losing connection with the 'Madleen' and posted a photo purportedly showing people in life jackets sitting with their hands up, though this report could not be independently verified at the time.

The 'Madleen' had set sail from Sicily on May 1, 2025, with approximately a dozen activists on board. Notable passengers included 22-year-old Greta Thunberg and Rima Hassan, a French Member of the European Parliament of Palestinian descent, who has previously been barred from entering Israel due to her opposition to Israeli policies. Activists from various countries, including Brazil, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Turkey, were part of the mission, which aimed to deliver symbolic humanitarian aid and challenge Israel's sea blockade of Gaza.

Israel maintains its sea blockade, in place since 2007, as a necessary measure to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas in Gaza and asserts it is essential for its security. Defence Minister Katz had issued a warning to the 'Madleen' activists on Sunday, stating, "You should turn back - because you will not reach Gaza." He had also instructed the IDF to prevent the vessel from reaching the shore, using "whatever measures are necessary." The FFC, however, considers the sea blockade illegal and characterized Katz's statements as threats of unlawful force against civilians.

This interception occurs against the backdrop of a severe humanitarian situation in Gaza, with humanitarian workers and UN officials warning of potential famine. Israel began allowing some basic aid into Gaza last month after a three-month total blockade that followed the October 7th attacks, primarily through channels like the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an entity backed by Israel and the US but criticized by some humanitarian groups. The UN's human rights chief, Volker Türk, recently described Palestinians in Gaza as facing the "grimmest of choices: die from starvation or risk being killed while trying to access the meagre food that is being made available."

The ongoing conflict, which began after a Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, is now in its 20th month. That attack resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths in Israel and 251 people being taken hostage. According to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, at least 54,880 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the commencement of Israel's military campaign.

This incident is not the FFC's first attempt to reach Gaza by sea. In May 2025, another of the group's vessels was reportedly attacked by two drones while sailing in international waters off Malta, an attack the FFC blamed on Israel, which damaged the ship. A more widely known past event is the 2010 Mavi Marmara flotilla, during which Israeli commandos boarded a Turkish ship leading an aid flotilla, resulting in the deaths of 10 activists. Following the 'Madleen's' diversion, Francesca Albanese, the United Nations' special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, urged other boats to continue efforts to challenge the Gaza blockade, stating on social media, "Madleen's journey may have ended, but the mission isn't over. Every Mediterranean port must send boats with aid & solidarity to Gaza."