Israeli forces kidnap Madleen ship headed to Gaza, detain activists in international waters

As the Madleen ship carrying 12 international activists neared Gaza, Israeli army forces intercepted and seized the vessel late at night on Sunday in international waters, cutting off all communications. The crew and passengers were forcibly taken to an Israeli port.

The ship, part of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, was carrying essential humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza, where Israel has maintained a ruthless blockade since March 2. The blockade has been widely condemned for using hunger as a weapon amidst an ongoing genocide in the besieged enclave.

Launched from Sicily on June 1, the Madleen was just 160 kilometers from Gaza on late Sunday when four Israeli naval vessels surrounded it.

Read: Israeli drones spotted above Gaza-bound aid ship ‘Madleen’

One of the crew members, Yasemin Acar, reported that two Israeli drones sprayed a white substance on the ship, which caused temporary eye irritation among those on board.

“We are very close to Gaza, approximately 100 miles [161 km] away,” Acar was quoted as saying by Al Jazeera before contact was lost.

A video circulating online showed the Madleen being ambushed by Israeli forces. The footage captures activists with their hands raised, complying with military orders, while being instructed to throw their phones into the sea.

Check: Greta Thunberg faces death threats as she sails for Gaza on aid ship  

Israel’s foreign ministry later announced that the ship would be taken to the port of Ashdod.

In a recorded message, climate activist Greta Thunberg, who was among those on board, stated, "We have been intercepted and kidnapped by the Israeli occupation forces. I urge my family, friends, and comrades to pressure the Swedish government to ensure our immediate release."

The forcible interception of the vessel sparked outrage online, with pro-Palestinian supporters and human rights activists condemning the international community’s silence. Many described the act as yet another instance of Israel’s ongoing violations of international law carried out with impunity.