Greta Thunberg Detained in Israeli Navy Raid; Gaza-Bound Aid Ship Seized Mid-Sea
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): In a high-stakes maritime operation, the Israeli Navy has seized the Gaza-bound ship ‘Maadeline’ carrying humanitarian aid, with Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg onboard. The dramatic interception occurred early Sunday morning in international waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
According to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), Israeli commandos boarded the vessel and detained 12 activists, including European Parliament member Reem Hassan and actor Liam Cunningham. Greta Thunberg had joined the vessel from Sicily, Italy on June 1. FFC reports that moments before the raid, drones circled the ship and a white chemical-like substance was sprayed onboard. Communication systems were jammed, and only disruptive noise was heard over the radio.
European MP Reem Hassan shared photos on social media platform X, showing crew members in life jackets with hands raised, including an image of Thunberg herself.
Following the raid, FFC lost all contact with the Maadeline and began releasing pre-recorded videos. In one, Thunberg said, “If you are watching this, it means we were stopped and abducted by Israeli forces in international waters.”
Israeli Government Calls It a “Celebrity Publicity Stunt”
Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the flotilla as a "celebrity selfie boat," claiming it was sent only for media attention. Officials stated that the ship carried less than 100 pounds of relief material — insignificant compared to over 1,200 aid trucks Israel claims to have sent to Gaza in the past two weeks. The Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant had earlier issued direct orders to block the Maadeline from reaching Gaza “at any cost.” The ship was halted just hours later.
Israel reiterated its long-standing naval blockade on Gaza, in place since 2007, aimed at preventing arms from reaching Hamas. However, international aid groups warned that unless the blockade is lifted and military operations cease, Gaza risks entering a full-scale famine. Israel also claimed over 11 million food packets have been delivered to Gaza so far, rejecting accusations of a humanitarian crisis.