The Israeli government was enforcing a longstanding blockade of the Palestinian territory, which has intensified during the current Israel-Hamas conflict. The boat, which was escorted by the Israeli navy, docked at the Israeli port of Ashdod on the evening of June 9, as reported by Israel’s Foreign Ministry. They shared a photo of Thunberg on social media after she got off the vessel.
According to the ministry, the 12 activists are currently undergoing medical evaluations to confirm their health status. They are expected to be held at a detention facility in Ramle before being deported, per Adalah, a legal rights organization for the activists. The group aimed to protest Israel’s ongoing military actions in the Gaza Strip, described as among the most lethal and destructive since World War II, along with the restrictions on humanitarian aid, both threatening the well-being of approximately 2 million Palestinians facing potential famine.
The passengers of the “Selfie Yacht” have reached Ben Gurion Airport and are set to depart for their home countries.
Some passengers are expected to leave within a few hours.
Those who refuse to sign deportation papers and stay in Israel will… pic.twitter.com/szEHmd0rS0
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) June 10, 2025
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organized the mission, stated that the activists were “kidnapped by Israeli forces” while attempting to provide essential aid to Gaza. Their statement claimed, “The ship was unlawfully boarded, its unarmed civilian crew abducted, and its life-saving cargo — including baby formula, food, and medical supplies — confiscated.” It also noted that the interception occurred in international waters approximately 200 kilometers from Gaza.
In contrast, Israel’s Foreign Ministry characterized the voyage as a public relations effort, stating in a post on X that “the ‘selfie yacht’ of the celebrities is safely making its way to the shores of Israel.” The ministry indicated that the activists would be sent back to their home countries and that the humanitarian supplies would be transported to Gaza through proper channels. They released footage apparently showing Israeli military personnel distributing sandwiches and water to the activists, who were wearing orange life jackets.
Weeklong journey
Thunberg, known for her climate activism, was one of the 12 activists aboard the Madleen, which had departed from Sicily a week prior. The boat had paused on June 5 to save four migrants who had jumped overboard to escape the Libyan coast guard. Following the halt of their journey, Thunberg urged all her friends, family, and allies to pressure the Swedish government to secure her and the others’ release as soon as possible, as articulated in a pre-recorded message released after the ship’s interception.
The ‘Selfie Yacht’ has just docked at Ashdod Port. The passengers are undergoing medical evaluations to ensure their well-being. pic.twitter.com/dGOhPxQnYI
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) June 9, 2025
Rima Hassan, a French Parliament member of Palestinian descent, was also among the volunteers on the boat. She has been denied entry into Israel due to her opposition to its policies towards Palestinians. She was one of six French citizens on board, and French President Emmanuel Macron urged Israel to allow their return to France at the earliest opportunity, according to his office’s statement.
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard indicated in Stockholm that the crew and passengers of the Madleen understood the risks associated with their mission. She noted that her department had advised against travel to Gaza for a decade and that those who choose to disregard that advice bear personal responsibility, as reported by Swedish news agency TT. She confirmed that the ministry believes no one on board is in danger and that consular support is unnecessary at this moment.
Adalah, the rights organization, asserted that Israel lacked “legal authority” to seize the ship as it was operating in international waters and not heading to Israel but to the “territorial waters of the state of Palestine.” They stated, “The detention of the unarmed activists, who acted in a civilian capacity to deliver humanitarian aid, constitutes a serious violation of international law.”
Israeli officials maintained that the flotilla represented less than a truckload of aid. “This wasn’t humanitarian assistance; it’s Instagram activism,” said Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer. “In contrast, Israel has delivered over 1,200 truckloads in the last two weeks. So who’s genuinely supplying Gaza, and who is simply promoting their own image? Greta wasn’t delivering aid; she was promoting herself. Let’s be clear about that; she’s not here for Gaza.”
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Following a two-and-a-half month total blockade intended to pressure Hamas, Israel began permitting some basic aid into Gaza last month. However, humanitarian workers and experts have warned of famine unless the blockade is lifted and military actions cease. Past attempts by the Freedom Flotilla to reach Gaza by sea have failed, such as when one of their vessels encountered drone attacks from two drones while in international waters near Malta, according to organizers, who blamed Israel for the assault that damaged the front of the ship.
18-year blockade
Since Hamas took control from competing Palestinian factions in 2007, Israel and Egypt have enforced varying levels of a blockade on Gaza. Israel argues that the blockade is necessary to prevent Hamas from importing weapons, while critics contend it constitutes collective punishment against Gaza’s Palestinian population. Israel initially shut off Gaza from all aid in the wake of the war ignited by Hamas’s assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, but subsequently eased restrictions under US pressure. In early March, shortly before ending a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, Israel reinstated a complete blockade on all imports, including food, fuel, and medications.
During the October 7 attack, Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 individuals, primarily civilians, and seized 251 hostages, most of whom have since been freed through ceasefire agreements or other negotiations. Hamas remains in possession of 55 hostages, with many believed dead. The military campaign announced by Israel has resulted in the deaths of over 54,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between combatants and civilians, although it reports that women and children represent a significant portion of the deceased.
The war has devastated large parts of Gaza and displaced approximately 90% of its population, leaving the population largely reliant on international assistance. Ongoing efforts to negotiate another truce have stalled for several months. Hamas has stated it will only release remaining hostages in return for a durable ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal, whereas Israel is determined to continue its military campaign until all captives are returned and Hamas is either defeated, disarmed, or exiled.
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