On June 9, 2025, the Israeli army’s Freedom Flotilla Coalition (Freedom Flotilla Coalition) was arrested on the “Madleen” ship of the Freedom Fleet Fleet Coalition.
In this operation, 12 activists on board, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, European Parliament Member Rima Hassan, Turkish activists Şuayb Ordu and Yasemin Acar and Irish actor Liam Cunningham.
The Israeli army announced that it has sprayed white chemical fluids with unmanned aerial vehicles to stop the ship, and the ship has limited communication systems.
The Israeli navy instructed the ship to change its route, but it has been reported that activists refused to surrender. During the operation, the ship was surrounded by five Israeli boats and prepared for a possible intervention by wearing the crew life vests.
Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz announced that he had previously instructed the ship from reaching the Gaza shores to the shores of Gaza and described the activists as “Hamas propaganda spokespersons”. According to the Israeli press, the ship was drawn to the port of Ashdod and the crew will be detained and deported to their countries.
International reactions include the United Nations Palestinian Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese closely followed the situation and Hamas holds Israel responsible for the security of the crew. In addition, the US Congress and the former Prime Minister of Scotland Hamza Yusuf warned that a possible attack of Israel will violate international law and called for the safe passage of the ship.
This incident reminded the raid that 10 Turkish citizens lost their lives on Mavi Marmara Ship in 2010 and aroused a wide repercussion in the international public opinion. The Madleen ship had vital materials such as baby food, medical materials, water treatment kits, set out to break the blockade in Gaza and provide humanitarian aid. However, due to the intervention of Israel, the mission could not be completed and the state of the crew remains uncertain.
Source: Mimatem Haber
