Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and 11 other pro-Palestinian activists have been detained by Israeli naval forces after attempting to breach Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza aboard the yacht “Madleen”. Israeli authorities are preparing to deport them after transferring them to Ben Gurion Airport, the Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed.
Israeli forces intercepted the British-flagged vessel early June 9, around 160 nautical miles off the Gaza coast. The yacht, operated by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition, carried a small shipment of aid supplies, including rice and baby formula. All 12 activists were detained and escorted to the port of Ashdod before being transported by air to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport.
Onboard images show Greta Thunberg wearing a life vest and sitting with her hands raised, accompanied by humanitarian workers and other passengers. Israeli officials provided food and water during transit, while a soldier was seen passing a sandwich to Thunberg, according to released pictures.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated: “Some of the ‘Selfie Yacht’ passengers are expected to leave within the next few hours. Those who refuse to sign deportation papers will be brought before a judicial authority” under Israeli law.
Defense Minister Israel Katz publicly condemned the mission, accusing Thunberg and her fellow activists of promoting Hamas propaganda and demanding they turn back, emphasizing enforcement of the Gaza naval blockade.
Thunberg, who recorded a video prior to boarding, claimed Israel “kidnapped” her in international waters and called on the Swedish government to intervene early.
President Trump dismissed her claim, labeling her “a young, angry person” in comments on X, criticizing the protest and calling for her to attend anger management.
The incident marks one of several attempts by activist flotillas to challenge Israel’s 18-year naval blockade of Gaza, described by Israel as a security imperative to prevent weapons smuggling since Hamas took control in 2007.
In October 2024, a U.S.-flagged flotilla attempting entry to Gaza was struck by Israeli drones near Malta — an escalation that contributed to Haaretz warnings of rising tensions .
Of the 12 detainees, four have signed deportation forms and are expected to depart imminently. The remaining eight, including Thunberg, opted against signing, prompting Israeli authorities to initiate a judicial review per immigration procedures.
The activists are currently held in Ashdod, under medical examination, with consular support accessible from Sweden, France, and other countries.
