Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound yacht carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg and other pro-Palestinian figures. The British-flagged vessel Madleen was attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza when Israeli military forces boarded it in international waters. What kind of Hamas atrocities were shown to the detained activists?
Israeli Forces Intercept Activist Vessel
Israel’s military forces intercepted and detained climate activist Greta Thunberg and her companions aboard a humanitarian aid yacht bound for Gaza on Monday. According to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, Israeli drones dropped a “white irritant substance” on the British-flagged Madleen before military personnel boarded the vessel in international waters.
The yacht, which departed from Sicily on June 1st, was carrying medical supplies and other humanitarian aid intended for Gaza residents suffering under Israel’s blockade. Footage released by Israeli authorities showed military personnel providing food and water to the activists after redirecting the vessel to the Israeli port of Ashdod.
6 years ago Greta Thunberg was posturing as an environmentalist, concerned about pollution turning our oceans into a ‘garbage patch’.
Today she’s throwing phones and computers into the sea. 🌊
Shallow. ( Her- not the sea.) pic.twitter.com/p90OqiX2qz— FreeByTheSea (@Free_ByTheSea) June 9, 2025
Defense Minister Orders Showing of October 7 Footage
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed officials to screen footage of the October 7 Hamas attacks for the detained activists upon their arrival at Ashdod Port. “Antisemitic Greta and her Hamas-supporting friends should see exactly what the Hamas terrorist organisation, which they came to support and act on behalf of, truly is,” Katz stated in remarks widely reported in Israeli media.
The confrontation came after Katz had previously warned the activists to turn back, declaring “You will not reach Gaza” in a direct message to the humanitarian mission. Crew members reported experiencing eye irritation from the unknown substance dropped by Israeli drones during the interception, while the Freedom Flotilla Coalition claimed the activists were “kidnapped” and the ship was unlawfully boarded.
After being stopped by the Israeli Navy, IDF special forces soldiers handed out food and water to the brain dead morons from Europe on the boat including Greta Thunberg. I bet they didnt expect to be treated so well. Look how confused they seem 😂 #Flotilla #Gaza pic.twitter.com/wq7YyNgwzw
— Eretz Israel (@EretzIsrael) June 9, 2025
Humanitarian Crisis Continues in Gaza
Israel has faced mounting international pressure to allow more aid into Gaza, which is experiencing severe food shortages after months of conflict and restricted access. The Gaza Health Ministry reports over 54,000 Palestinian deaths since the start of Israel’s military campaign following the October 7 Hamas attacks.
Israeli authorities described the activist voyage as a public relations stunt and stated the humanitarian aid aboard the Madleen would be delivered to Gaza through established official channels. The prominent figures aboard included not only Thunberg but also “Game of Thrones” actor Liam Cunningham and European parliamentarian Rima Hassan, who has been previously barred from entering Israel.