Israeli Forces Seize Gaza-Bound Activist Ship, Crew To Be Deported

Israeli forces intercepted and took control of the British-flagged yacht Madleen, carrying 12 pro-Palestinian activists including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, as it attempted to break the naval blockade of Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid. The Israeli Foreign Ministry described the mission as a media provocation aimed at gaining publicity, referring to the vessel as a 'selfie yacht' with 'celebrities,' and confirmed the activists are being returned to their home countries unharmed. The small amount of aid on board, including rice and baby formula, will be transferred to Gaza through established humanitarian channels, with Israel emphasizing that over 1,200 aid trucks have recently entered Gaza. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition lost contact with the vessel after the boarding and posted videos of the activists asking for help. Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz had ordered the military to prevent the ship from reaching Gaza, calling the mission propaganda supporting Hamas. The incident highlights ongoing tensions around the Gaza blockade and the international efforts to raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis there.