Israel’s navy intercepted the UK-flagged Madleen early Monday in international waters. The vessel, packed with climate activist Greta Thunberg, MEP Rima Hassan and other volunteers, tried to breach Gaza’s naval blockade.
✋ Hands in the air
Footage released by Israel’s Foreign Ministry shows activists in orange life jackets, hands raised, as soldiers hand out water and sandwiches. The ministry insists the flotilla aimed for a “media provocation” rather than genuine aid.
🎨 Quadcopter paint attack
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) claims Israeli drones “sprayed a white paint-like substance” over the deck, jammed comms and blasted loud noises. Activist Yasmin Acar livestreamed the ordeal, wiping paint from her eyes. Israel counters the paint was harmless marking fluid.
🚨 “Kidnapped in international waters”
After losing live contact, FFC began sharing pre-recorded messages. “If you see this, we’ve been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters,” Thunberg’s clip declared.
⚓ From Sicily to Ashdod
The FFC set sail from Catania, Sicily, on 1 June. As of Monday, the Madleen lay near Gaza’s coast. Israel escorted it to Ashdod Port, where Katz vowed detainees would view Hamas attack footage before being flown home.
📦 Humanitarian crisis deepens
Gaza’s 2.1 million residents endure an 11-week blockade. UN agencies warn of famine, and dozens have died fetching food from a new US-backed distribution body. Last month’s Conscience vessel even reported a drone strike off Malta.
⚖️ Legal firestorm
Hamas decried the detention as “a flagrant violation of international law.” Israel argues any unauthorised breach risks security. The world now watches for fallout—diplomatic and legal.
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