Update on Gaza aid ship exposed.
Greta Thunberg claims she was “kidnapped” in international waters by Israeli forces—and now, officials are issuing a firm response.
Gaza aid mission highlighted.
So how did Thunberg find herself on a boat, bound for a war zone? Let’s rewind.
Thunberg set sail from Sicily on June 1 with the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), a group known for challenging Israeli naval blockades.
The FFC has made multiple attempts to reach Gaza via sea — mostly without success, and often ending in forceful intervention.
Just last month, another FFC ship was attacked by drones in international waters near Malta, the group claimed.
Two drones reportedly damaged the ship’s front section. FFC blamed Israel for the strike, though Israeli officials did not confirm responsibility.
The Madleen was the latest chapter in the group’s efforts, with Thunberg adding a globally recognized face to the flotilla.
The goal, according to activists, was to draw attention to Gaza’s humanitarian crisis — and break the blockade.
But Israeli officials viewed it differently, framing it as political theater wrapped in a humanitarian costume.
Roadblock to Gaza aid mission explained.
The Swedish climate activist was part of a 12-person crew aboard the vessel Madleen, en route to deliver aid to Gaza.
But the trip didn’t end at the shore — it was abruptly halted by Israeli naval forces before ever reaching Palestinian waters.
A pre-recorded video of Thunberg, released shortly after the seizure, intensified the storm.
“My name is Greta Thunberg and I am from Sweden,” she said, her voice calm but urgent.
“If you see this video we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by the Israeli occupational forces — or forces that support Israel.”
The video instantly went viral, igniting a firestorm across social media platforms and newsrooms.
Supporters demanded action. Thunberg urged pressure be put on the Swedish government to secure her release.
Update on situation released.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that by Monday evening, June 9, Thunberg and the others had arrived in the Israeli port city of Ashdod.
All 12 activists were undergoing medical checks “to ensure they are in good health,” the ministry stated.
They were expected to be processed and temporarily held at a detention facility in Ramle.
Afterward, deportation proceedings would begin — unless individuals refused to cooperate, in which case Israeli courts would get involved.
Israel’s statement confirmed.
“The passengers of the ‘Selfie Yacht’ arrived at Ben Gurion Airport to depart from Israel and return to their home countries,” the ministry later announced.
Some, they said, would leave immediately. Others, not signing deportation docs, would be subject to legal authorization for removal.
Consuls from Sweden and other nations reportedly met with the activists at the airport.
But Israeli officials did not hold back in their criticism of the voyage — or of Thunberg herself.
“This wasn’t humanitarian aid. It’s Instagram activism,” said Israeli spokesperson David Mencer.
“Greta was not bringing aid — she was bringing herself,” he added. “Meanwhile, Israel has delivered over 1,200 truckloads in the last two weeks.”
The aid aboard the Madleen reportedly amounted to less than a truckload, according to the Press Association.
Public await more updates.
Tensions around aid access to Gaza remain sky-high, with Israel controlling most land and sea entry points.
The Gaza Strip itself has been at the center of escalating conflict, humanitarian crises, and violent exchanges since the October 7 Hamas attacks.
Greta’s attempt to enter that conflict zone — under the guise of delivering aid — was always going to stir global headlines.
But being “kidnapped” at sea by a military power? That’s a plot twist even the most seasoned activist might not have scripted.
And just like that, what was supposed to be a humanitarian mission became a full-blown international incident — with Greta Thunberg at the very heart of it.