Published on: June 10, 2025 6:56 pm

Greta Thunberg Deported After Israel Seizes Gaza Aid Boat During Naval Blockade

On June 9, 2025, Israel’s navy intercepted the Madleen, a UK‑flagged vessel carrying Greta Thunberg and 11 other activists during its voyage toward Gaza. The boat—laden with symbolic humanitarian supplies—was seized in what both sides acknowledge were international waters. The activists were detained and brought to Ashdod Port, where Thunberg accepted deportation. In the early hours of June 10, she was flown to France and onward to Sweden yahoo.com+15apnews.com+15news.sky.com+15thesun.co.uk.

Mission & Onboard Cargo

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition organized the voyage, aiming to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. Departing from Catania, Sicily, on June 1, the Madleen carried limited yet symbolically important supplies:

• Baby formula, flour (100 kg), rice (250 kg)
• Diapers, menstrual hygiene products
• Medical kits, water desalination filters, crutches, and prosthetics bostonglobe.com+10en.wikipedia.org+10timesofisrael.com+10

While modest in volume, supporters call the mission a humanitarian gesture and protest initiative; opponents dismiss it as a publicity campaign.

Legal and Maritime Context

Israel maintains its actions were lawful under its naval blockade policy of Gaza—enforced since 2007—to prevent arms smuggling. They contend the interception took place in international waters, yet remains within the terms of a recognized and declared blockade apnews.com.
However, activists and NGOs argue that boarding a civilian ship outside Israeli territorial waters violates international law. Rights groups, including Adalah and Amnesty International, labelled the incident “illegal” and tantamount to “state piracy” .

Who Was On Board & Aftermath of the Seizure

The 12‑member crew included:

• Greta Thunberg (Sweden)
• Rima Hassan, French MEP of Palestinian descent
• A Spanish activist
• A journalist, a doctor, and activists from multiple countries news.sky.com+10apnews.com+10en.wikipedia.org+10point.reviewpoint.orgnews.sky.com

Four individuals—Thunberg, a Spanish activist, another, and a journalist—accepted deportation orders. The remaining eight, including Hassan, refused and are awaiting hearings under Israeli detention protocols. apnews.com+1huffingtonpost.es+1.

Detained Activists and Legal Recourse

Eight activists declined deportation, opting to challenge their detainment in Israeli courts. Adalah, representing the group, maintains that detention amounts to political persecution and international law violations .
Those refusing deportation face up to 96 hours of administrative detention before court hearings. Consular assistance has been provided by involved countries, apnews.com.

Reactions & Global Implications

Israeli Government

Israel blasted the flotilla as an “Instagram activism stunt,” noting the minimal aid aboard. Officials also called the mission a “selfie yacht” and emphasised blockade enforcement as a national security imperative (thetimes.co.uk+4en.wikipedia.org+4apnews.com+4).

Rights Groups & NGOs

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition condemned the raid as “a blatant violation of international law.” Amnesty International echoed the sentiment, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of detained activists (apnews.com).

International Actors

• UN experts urged safe passage for humanitarian missions to Gaza en.wikipedia.org.
• Political figures, like Ireland’s deputy prime minister, praised the mission’s humanitarian intent .
• Hamas called the raid “state terrorism” and a violation of international law .
• In the U.S., Sen. Lindsey Graham drew condemnation for a poorly phrased tweet about the incident en.wikipedia.org.

Why This Matters

1. High-profile activism—Thunberg’s involvement amplifies global awareness of Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
2. Legal precedent—Interceptions in international waters raise complex questions under maritime and humanitarian law.
3. Blockade transparency—The incident intensifies scrutiny on Israel’s blockade, highlighting tensions between security and humanitarian obligations.

What’s Next

• The deported crew—including Thunberg—may serve as spokespeople, giving interviews to raise awareness.
• Detained activists await court decisions; rulings may set significant precedents.
• Flotillas ahead: Similar missions are expected, potentially spurring diplomatic efforts or naval confrontations.