Israeli forces intercepted the yacht Madleen, which was carrying 12 activists, including prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg, as it attempted to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

The vessel, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), was towed to the Israeli port city of Ashdod after being seized in the early hours of June 9, 2025.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed that the boat had docked and stated that those aboard were undergoing medical examinations to ensure their health and safety.

The activists were reportedly carrying a small amount of aid, including rice and baby formula, aimed at highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The interception occurred in international waters, with footage released by the FFC showing the activists in life jackets raising their hands as Israeli forces boarded the yacht.

According to the FFC, the activists were abducted and their cargo seized without lawful justification.

Israeli officials characterized the mission as a publicity stunt, referring to the yacht as a 'selfie yacht' and stating that the aid would be redirected to Gaza through established humanitarian channels.

Israel has maintained a naval blockade of Gaza since Hamas took control of the territory in 2007, citing security concerns related to the prevention of weapons smuggling to militant groups.

Among the activists on the Madleen were citizens from several countries, including France, Turkey, and Sweden, as well as a member of the European Parliament.

The vessel set sail from Italy on June 1, 2025, with the intention of raising awareness about alleged starvation conditions in Gaza, which has faced severe restrictions on aid.

On June 8, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz emphasized the military's commitment to prevent any attempts to breach the blockade, describing the Madleen's mission as aligned with Hamas's interests.

Following the boardings, the Israeli military provided meals and water to the activists, asserting that no harm came to them during the operation.

The Israeli government has faced criticism from international humanitarian organizations regarding its blockade and the circumstances surrounding the interception of aid vessels.

The UN's human rights chief has characterized the situation in Gaza as dire, raising concerns over the humanitarian impact of ongoing military operations.

The event occurs against a backdrop of a protracted conflict in Gaza that escalated following a Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties, including the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and over 54,000 Palestinians in subsequent military actions.

While Israel has allowed some aid into Gaza through controlled channels in recent months, local health officials and international observers report widespread needs, with conditions described as approaching famine for a large portion of the population.

The situation remains volatile, with ongoing debates over the legality of the blockade and the humanitarian implications for the residents of Gaza.