Israel’s Foreign Ministry announced that the seized aid—including baby formula and medicine—would be delivered to Gaza “through proper humanitarian channels.”
FFC claimed that the Madleen was intercepted in international waters approximately 185 km west of Gaza. According to the group, the vessel was surrounded by quadcopter drones, sprayed with a white chemical irritant, and had its communications systems jammed.
Video footage released by FFC shows passengers seated with their hands raised as Israeli forces boarded the vessel. In a pre-recorded video shared by the group, Thunberg says: “If you’re seeing this, we’ve been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by Israeli occupation forces or their allies
.” She urged friends, family, and supporters to pressure the Swedish government for her and the other activists’ release.
Israel later confirmed all passengers were safe and unharmed, posting footage of troops offering them food and water.
The Madleen set sail from Italy on June 1. According to FFC, it carried humanitarian aid and international human rights defenders in open defiance of what they called Israel’s “illegal and genocidal blockade.”
Israel, however, dismissed the mission as a publicity stunt and reiterated that the blockade complies with international law.
It warned that unauthorized attempts to breach it are “dangerous, illegal, and obstruct ongoing humanitarian efforts.”
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant previously stated that the naval blockade is essential to prevent arms smuggling to Hamas.
Israel and Egypt have imposed a land, sea, and air blockade on Gaza since 2007, when Hamas took control of the enclave following its victory in the 2006 Palestinian legislative elections.***
