The Israeli military has intervened in the journey of the Madleen, a ship carrying vital humanitarian supplies to the besieged Gaza Strip and hosting 12 human rights activists. Following the intervention, communication with the vessel was severed, and the Madleen was directed to the port of Ashdod.
This operation was part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s ongoing efforts to break the blockade on Gaza and deliver much-needed aid. The 18-meter sailboat embarked on its mission from San Giovanni Li Cuti port in Catania, Italy, on June 1.
A morning statement from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition indicated that the ship was on high alert for an expected intervention. The United Nations reported that five Israeli boats had surrounded the vessel.
Upon boarding by Israeli forces, contact with the Madleen was lost, and it was confirmed that all 12 activists aboard were detained. Iran condemned the action, labeling it as “piracy.”
The Madleen’s passengers included Rima Hassan, a French MEP, Yasemin Acar from Germany, Hüseyin Şuayb Ordu from Turkey, Thiago Avila from Brazil, Sergio Toribio from Spain, Marco van Rennes from the Netherlands, and several others from France. Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and journalist Omar Faiad were also on board.
The ship was laden with essential supplies such as baby formula, flour, rice, diapers, feminine hygiene products, water purification kits, medical supplies, and prosthetics for children.
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a written statement condemning the Israeli intervention: “The Israeli forces’ action against the Madleen, which included our citizens and aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, is a blatant violation of international law.”
The statement further criticized Israel’s actions as a threat to maritime security and navigation freedom, denouncing the Netanyahu government’s policies as those of a “terrorist state.”
Efforts are being made to offer consular support to the Turkish citizens on board, with communications maintained with the families and other involved nations.
Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine, urged for the immediate release of the Madleen, encouraging Mediterranean ports to send more aid-bearing vessels to Gaza.
Albanese highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and stressed the legal and moral obligation to break Israel’s blockade.
Footage from the ship showed activists preparing for intervention, donning life jackets, and raising their hands as Israeli soldiers boarded. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition described the activists’ detainment as a “kidnapping by the Israeli military,” urging international pressure for their safe release.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed that the Madleen was taken into Israeli custody, with plans to repatriate the activists. Prior to the intervention, the coalition reported that a drone had sprayed an irritant white liquid onto the ship, which activist Yasemin Acar claimed caused burning sensations.
Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz had previously threatened the flotilla, instructing the military to take necessary measures to prevent the Madleen from reaching Gaza. Army spokesperson Effie Defrin confirmed preparations for action against the vessel.
Yorum Yap