Israel intercepts Gaza-bound ship carrying Greta Thunberg, Rima Hassan

New Delhi: Israeli naval commandos intercepted the British-flagged humanitarian yacht Madleen, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), as it attempted to breach Israel’s long-standing naval blockade of the Gaza Strip.

 Among those aboard were renowned climate activist Greta Thunberg and Rima Hassan, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP).

In a series of posts on X, Hassan stated that Israeli forces boarded the vessel around 2 a.m. while it was sailing in international waters.

“The crew of the Freedom Flotilla was arrested by the Israeli army in international waters around 2 a.m. Actions are coming — stay tuned,” she wrote on X.

One photo shared by Hassan showed individuals wearing life jackets, seated with their hands raised, suggesting they were detained.

The FFC confirmed via Telegram that all communication with Madleen had been lost and accused Israeli forces of “kidnapping” the activists.

Meanwhile, Greta Thunberg also posted a video appealing to the Swedish government for the release of the volunteers.

“If you see this video, we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by the Israeli occupational forces, or forces that support Israel. I urge all my friends, family and comrades to put pressure on the Swedish government to release me and the others as soon as possible,” she said in the video message.

The Madleen, which set sail from Sicily, was reportedly carrying humanitarian supplies, including rice and baby formula. The mission aimed to deliver aid to Gaza and challenge the Israeli naval blockade, which has been in place since 2007.  (IANS)

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