The crew of the humanitarian aid ship Madleen, intercepted while attempting to reach Gaza, has arrived at the Israeli port of Ashdod. The group, which included well-known activist Greta Thunberg, underwent medical checks following their detention, as confirmed by Israel’s foreign ministry. Upon disembarking, they were shown footage depicting the events of the October 7 massacre by Hamas, a move that protesters reportedly declined to watch in its entirety.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz accused the activists of disregarding the brutal actions of Hamas, asserting they "closed their eyes to the truth." The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), which organised the mission, condemned Israel’s actions, claiming that the ship was unlawfully boarded while attempting to deliver essential supplies to a region suffering under a prolonged war and blockade, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis facing over 2 million Gazans.
Initial reports indicated that the Israeli authorities intended to deport the detained activists via Ben-Gurion Airport. A video published by the foreign ministry featured the crew, including Thunberg, in life jackets and receiving water and rations from soldiers. The FFC characterised the incident as a military assault, stating that the ship faced aggression from Israeli forces, including being sprayed by an unidentified substance while in international waters.
Thunberg and others recorded distress messages alleging they had been kidnapped by Israeli forces, underscoring the situation’s severity. The FFC claimed their supplies, intended for the beleaguered population in Gaza, were confiscated, although Israel has stated that they will facilitate aid transfer through recognised humanitarian channels.
Human rights advocates, including Amnesty International, have denounced the detention, with calls for the immediate release of the activists. They assert that Israel’s actions contravene international law, notably accusing the country of maintaining a blockade that critically limits humanitarian access.
The French Foreign Ministry confirmed that six of its nationals were among those detained and is liaising with Israel for their return. Hamas has condemned the interception as a severe infringement on international humanitarian principles, calling for the activists’ release.
Amid growing international scrutiny, Israel has faced criticism for its stringent blockade on Gaza, which has drastically reduced aid delivery, raising fears of widespread famine among the population. Reports indicate that while aid has recently commenced trickling into Gaza, it remains insufficient compared to pre-war levels, and humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate.