Greta Thunberg’s boat to Gaza was stopped by Israel and redirected to Ashdod Port. Israeli officials say the activists will be shown October 7 footage to understand the attacks that triggered the war. The mission aimed to break the blockade on Gaza but was intercepted before it could reach its destination.
Why Was Greta Thunberg Heading to Gaza?
Thunberg joined the Madleen, a yacht organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC). The vessel left Sicily on May 1 with humanitarian aid for Gaza. Activists on board hoped to bring attention to the suffering in the region and challenge Israel’s blockade.
French MEP Rima Hassan, also on board, described the mission as peaceful. She said the group wanted to express global solidarity with Gaza’s civilians.
Israel Responds: Aid Boat Diverted, October 7 Footage Ordered
Focus Keyphrase: Greta Thunberg Gaza aid boat
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed the military to stop the Madleen before it could reach Gaza. Soldiers redirected the yacht to Ashdod Port.
Katz said the IDF will screen footage from the October 7 Hamas attack to the activists. He accused Thunberg and others of “supporting Hamas” and claimed they needed to see the reality of what happened.
“They should see the atrocities committed against women, the elderly, and children,” Katz stated.
The defense minister praised the IDF for the safe operation and called the interception part of Israel’s fight for security.
Mixed Reactions: Activists Call It Kidnapping, Hamas Responds
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition said Israeli forces “kidnapped” the crew in international waters. A video released by the group showed pre-recorded messages from activists, indicating they had prepared for possible seizure.
Hamas condemned the interception and detention. The group praised the activists’ courage and claimed the move violated international law.
“The detention of Madleen will not silence the voices of the free,” Hamas said in a statement.
Context: War, Blockade, and Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Israel’s action comes in the context of a 20-month war following the deadly Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. That assault killed over 1,200 Israelis. In response, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza.
According to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, over 54,000 Palestinians have died since the war began. Their data does not distinguish between civilians and fighters.
Although Israel recently allowed limited aid into Gaza, humanitarian groups warn of famine and collapse unless the siege ends.
What’s Next for Thunberg and the Crew?
Israel says all activists, including Greta Thunberg, are safe. Authorities plan to send them back to their home countries. The aid on board will go through Israeli-approved channels.
Meanwhile, global debate continues over the legality and ethics of sea missions to Gaza—and over the role of public figures like Thunberg in global conflict zones.
