Madleen aid ship arrives in Ashdod Port, Israel, after Israel illegally seized humanitarian ship in international waters
The Madleen ship, which set out to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, was reportedly intervened in international waters by the Israeli army. The ship was organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and departed from the Port of Catania on the Italian island of Sicily on June 1, 2025. The ship carries a crew of 12 people, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, French European Parliament member Rima Hassan, and Turkish activists Hüseyin Şuayb Ordu and Yasemin Acar.
Latest Status:
Israeli Intervention: The Israeli army stopped the Madleen ship on the night of June 9 and boarded it. Communication with the ship was completely cut off and it was reported that the activists were detained by Israel.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced that the ship was taken to the Port of Ashdod and that the 12 activists would be repatriated. However, according to the latest update from the BBC, the exact location of the ship is unclear.
Activists’ Status: The 12 activists on the ship are being held in separate cells at Givon Prison in Ramla, Israel. It has been reported that Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir gave instructions for the activists to be held in prison before being deported.
International Reactions:
Turkey: The Foreign Ministry reacted strongly to the intervention, describing it as a clear violation of international law. The ministry is taking steps to secure the release of the Turkish citizens on the ship and is regularly informing their families.
Amnesty International: Secretary General Agnes Callamard condemned Israel’s intervention as a violation of international law and called for the activists’ immediate release.
Amnesty International says Israel has shown “a chilling disregard” for international law.
Amnesty International released a statement calling the flotilla mission “a condemnation of the international community’s failure to end the inhumane Israeli blockade.”
The human rights group added that Israel has “an international obligation to ensure that civilians in Gaza have safe access to food and essential goods” and that its actions showed “a chilling disregard” for international law.
“If Israel’s allies had translated their words into decisive action to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, activists would not have had to risk their lives,” said the group’s leader, Agnes Callamard.
England: The UK Prime Minister’s Spokesperson stated that the issue should be resolved within the framework of security, moderation and international humanitarian law.
Greece: Democracy Movement leader Stefanos Kasselakis criticized the view of humanitarian aid as a weapon and drew attention to international law.
Situation on the Ship: During the intervention, activist Yasemin Acar stated that Israeli soldiers poured a white chemical liquid on the ship and that her eyes burned because of it. The activists stated that they would continue their peaceful stance and would not resist.
Location of the Ship and Communication: Before the intervention, the ship was stopped approximately 185 kilometers from Gaza. The ship’s AIS and satellite systems were blacked out by Israel’s electronic intervention, and it was reported that its location was shown as Jordan.
Ship and Purpose:
The Madleen ship bears the name of Gaza’s first and only female fisherman, Madleen Kullab, and set out to protest the blockade imposed by Israel on Gaza and to deliver humanitarian aid to the region. The ship is carrying baby food, medical supplies, feminine hygiene products, crutches, prosthetics, water purification kits, flour and rice as basic necessities.
General Assessment:
The Madleen ship has resonated with the international community as a symbolic and practical effort to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to break the blockade. However, Israel’s intervention has brought back memories of the Mavi Marmara incident in 2010 and created a new diplomatic crisis. While calls from the international community for the activists’ safety and release are increasing, the situation of the ship and the crew are being closely monitored.
Source: Musitem Haber
