Overview

• The Israeli Defense Forces seized the Madleen on June 8 in international waters to enforce its naval blockade and prevent arms shipments to Hamas.
• The British-flagged vessel carried a symbolic humanitarian cargo of rice and baby formula and was crewed by 12 activists, including Greta Thunberg and Spanish citizen Sergio Toribio.
• After arriving at Ashdod port Monday evening, the activists underwent medical checks and are set to be deported to their home countries under escort.
• Spain summoned Israel’s chargé d’affaires in Madrid to protest the detention of its national and to secure consular access to Sergio Toribio.
• UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese and other international observers have condemned the seizure as a breach of maritime law and called for the immediate release of the ship and crew.