Gaza-Bound Ship With 12 International Activists Towed To Israeli Port Of Ashdod

The Israeli Navy intercepted and seized a Gaza-bound aid vessel carrying 12 international activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and French-Palestinian European Parliament Member Rima Hassan, in the early hours of June 9, 2025.

The boat, named Madleen, was stopped in international waters and later towed to Israel’s Ashdod Port. According to Israeli officials, the boat violated the maritime blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip.

The activists were warned multiple times to change course before special forces from the Shayetet 13 unit boarded the vessel without any physical confrontation. Once in custody, the activists were taken to Ashdod for medical checks and were expected to be deported.

The vessel, launched by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), had departed from Sicily on June 1 with the goal of delivering a small amount of symbolic humanitarian aid to Gaza. Organizers said the mission was meant to raise global awareness of the growing humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave, where food shortages and famine warnings have intensified due to prolonged conflict.

A video released by the FFC before the boat was boarded showed the activists raising their hands as Israeli forces approached.

The coalition described the interception as an illegal seizure in international waters and referred to the incident as a “kidnapping.” The vessel, they said, was sailing under a UK flag at the time of the incident.

FFC organizers and the Palestinian legal center Adalah claimed the Israeli action violated international law, stating that the boat was not heading for Israel but for the territorial waters of what they call the “State of Palestine.” Adalah added that the activists had no intention of entering Israeli territory and were being wrongfully accused of doing so.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the activists would be shown a video documenting the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in Israel. He said this was to educate them about what Israel views as the justification for the blockade.

However, according to Katz, the activists refused to watch the full footage, which included graphic scenes captured from Hamas bodycams.

Katz criticised the activists for what he described as ignoring the atrocities committed by Hamas. In a public statement, he accused them of “turning a blind eye” to the massacre and labeled the group as antisemitic.

The ‘Selfie Yacht’ docked at Ashdod Port a short while ago. The passengers are currently undergoing medical examinations to ensure they are in good health. pic.twitter.com/dGOhPxQnYI

— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) June 9, 2025

Meanwhile, critics of the interception, including the UN special rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories, stated that Israel had no legal right to stop a humanitarian vessel in international waters.

The United Kingdom, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, called for Israel to handle the situation with restraint and reminded it to respect international humanitarian law.

Turkey also condemned the operation, calling it a sign of “malign intent” and comparing it to acts of state-sponsored piracy.

As per the lastest information, Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) confirmed that 4 of the 12 individuals abducted from international waters have since been deported, while the remaining 8 continue to be unjustly detained.

Those who have not consented to immediate departure remain in detention and are expected to appear before a tribunal. Lawyers representing the FFC stated they will argue for the activists’ release and their right to return to their stated mission.

However, the FFC expressed concerns regarding the fairness of the Israeli legal process, suggesting it serves to uphold existing policies rather than deliver justice, and anticipates orders for forced expulsion.

The FFC has also called for attention to be drawn to the situation of Palestinians held in Israeli detention. According to the Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association, as of June 4, 2025, over 10,400 Palestinians are held by Israel. This number includes more than 400 children and over 3,500 individuals held without trial, charge, or due process. The FFC concluded its statement by stating that “the world is watching.”

References: BBC, timesofisrael

Source: Maritime Shipping News