Israel Verifies Activists’ Safety and Stops Gaza Aid Ship

June 9, 2025, Jerusalem:

Israel’s Foreign Ministry has denied that the activists on board the aid ship Madleen, which was stopped by Israeli forces on Sunday, were harmed. “All the passengers of the ‘selfie yacht’ are safe and unharmed,” the ministry said in a statement that included recently made public video footage.

Twelve international activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and French MEP Rima Hassan, were on board the ship as part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s campaign to protest Israel’s blockade of Gaza. It was diverted to the Israeli port of Ashdod after being intercepted in international waters.

Israeli officials criticised the ship for trying to evade official aid channels, calling it a “media gimmick” instead of a true humanitarian mission. Israel Katz, the defence minister, referred to the flotilla as a “hate flotilla” and emphasised that humanitarian aid can be sent via authorised channels. International maritime law was allegedly broken by the activists, who brought symbolic supplies like medicine and baby formula. The operation was described as a “kidnapping at sea” by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.

“There are designated procedures for delivering aid to Gaza in coordination with international organisations,” said Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lior Haiat. “Uncoordinated attempts such as this are irresponsible and act more as provocation than assistance.”

Upon arrival, food and water were provided to all activists, who were said to be in good health. After processing, their deportation is anticipated. This incident comes after a similar attempt was made last month when Conscience, another aid ship, was harmed in what was believed to be a drone attack close to Malta. In that instance, no casualties were reported. Citing security concerns, Israel has kept a naval blockade on Gaza in place since 2007. Human rights organisations and activists, however, are still opposing the blockade and drawing attention to the region’s humanitarian crisis.