Israeli commandos have seized the Madleen, a Gaza-bound humanitarian aid ship launched by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, in international waters approximately 100 miles from Gaza. The crew, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, is being taken to Israel. According to Huwaida Arraf, Freedom Flotilla organizer, “All those on board have been abducted. They have been taken against their will while they were sailing peacefully and lawfully in international waters.”
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs claims the crew will be taken to Israel, while Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has congratulated the military on its “swift” takeover and instructed them to screen a video documenting the Hamas-led October 7 attack for the detained activists.
Katz also made unfounded claims that Greta Thunberg is “anti-Semitic” and supports Hamas, stating it would be “appropriate” for Thunberg and the other activists to witness footage of the “atrocious acts” committed during the October 7 assault.
The seizure of the Madleen has sparked widespread condemnation. Hamas has called the takeover “organised state terrorism” and urged the United Nations to condemn the seizure, stating, “The seizure of the Madleen will not silence the voice of the free, nor will it stop the growing global solidarity with Gaza.” The Palestinian Mujahideen Movement has also strongly condemned the “barbaric attack,” calling it “an act of international piracy” and demanding the immediate release of the crew.
Several organizations and individuals have expressed solidarity with the activists. UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese said, “Madleen must be released immediately. Breaking the siege is a legal duty for states, and a moral imperative for all of us.”
Australian Senator David Shoebridge from the Australian Greens stated, “The Israeli military attacking a boat full of unarmed activists bringing food and medicine to Gaza is a clear breach of international law.” Palestinian rights organization Al-Haq has also strongly condemned Israel’s “unlawful interception” of the Madleen, calling for the immediate release of all those detained.