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Israel Intercepts Gaza-Bound Flotilla With Greta Thunberg; Most Activists Deported

The Madleen was redirected to Ashdod under Israel’s blockade enforcement policy, leading to medical checks as part of deportation screening.

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An Israeli solider passes a bun to Greta Thunberg onboard the Gaza-bound British-flagged yacht "Madleen" after Israeli forces boarded the charity vessel as it attempted to reach the Gaza Strip in defiance of an Israeli naval blockade, in this still image released on June 9, 2025.
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Climate activist Greta Thunberg with other activists from a human rights organization meets with journalists in Catania, Italy, Sunday, June 1, 2025, ahead of their departure for the Mideast. (AP Photo/Salvatore Cavalli)

Overview

  • Israeli naval forces boarded the Madleen about 200 kilometers off Gaza on June 9 under Defense Minister Israel Katz’s orders to uphold the blockade.
  • Activists were shown footage of Hamas’s October 7 attack as part of interrogation procedures before being processed for deportation.
  • Greta Thunberg and three volunteers agreed to sign deportation papers and have departed Israel while eight others who refused remain detained.
  • The ship’s humanitarian cargo — including baby formula, food and medical supplies — was confiscated for rerouting through official aid channels.
  • UN officials and human rights groups condemned the interception and called on Israel to allow unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza.