IDF Intercepts Gaza-Bound Flotilla Carrying International Activists

The Gaza-bound aid ship Madleen, carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg and 11 other international activists, was intercepted by Israeli forces while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid and raise awareness about the crisis in Gaza. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) used drones and unidentified chemicals during the operation, which was completed without resistance, and the activists were taken into custody and are expected to be deported. Israeli authorities and the Foreign Ministry downplayed the mission's significance, calling it a 'celebrity selfie yacht' carrying less aid than a single truckload, while Defense Minister Israel Katz accused the activists of supporting Hamas and ordered them to view footage of the October 7 massacre. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition reported the interception involved hostile actions such as spraying a white paint-like substance and jamming communications, but the activists remained peaceful and called for government intervention for their release. This incident follows a history of attempts by the Gaza Freedom Flotilla to break the Israeli-Egyptian naval blockade since 2008, with increasing Israeli resistance over time, including a previous drone strike on a similar mission. The interception of Madleen highlights ongoing tensions around the blockade, humanitarian efforts, and political activism related to Palestinian sovereignty.