Greta Thunberg and 11 others ‘kidnapped’ by Israel, say Gaza flotilla organisers

Jerusalem/Cairo — A Gaza-bound aid vessel carrying renowned climate activist Greta Thunberg and 11 others has been intercepted and diverted to Israel by the Israeli Navy, prompting strong condemnation from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which accused Israel of “kidnapping” the activists.

The boat, named Madleen, had set sail from Sicily a week ago, aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and protest against Israel’s naval blockade of the Palestinian territory. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organised the voyage, said the mission was intended to challenge the blockade that has been in place since before the recent Israel-Hamas war.

Israeli authorities confirm redirection of vessel

Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Monday that its Navy had directed the boat to change course as it neared a “restricted area”. In a social media post on X, the ministry stated: “The boat is safely making its way to the shores of Israel,” and added, “The passengers are expected to return to their home countries.”

The ministry also said: “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.” It provided no further details on the activists' condition or the timeline for their deportation.

Communication lost after vessel boarded

According to a statement posted on Telegram by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, communication with Madleen was lost when Israeli forces boarded the boat. “Connection has been lost on the 'Madleen'. Israeli army have boarded the vessel,” the group wrote, later adding that the passengers had been “kidnapped by Israeli forces”.

Mahmud Abu-Odeh, a Germany-based press officer with the Coalition, told AFP that “the activists seemed to be arrested”.

Mission aimed to challenge blockade

The mission was part of a broader international campaign to highlight the humanitarian situation in Gaza and contest Israel’s control over sea access to the territory. Israeli authorities have repeatedly defended the blockade, claiming it is essential to prevent Hamas from importing weapons.

Greta Thunberg’s involvement in the voyage drew global attention to the operation. She was among 12 activists aboard the boat, which carried a limited quantity of humanitarian supplies intended for Gaza.