TEL AVIV: Israeli authorities have begun deportation proceedings for 12 international activists, including Swedish climate advocate Greta Thunberg and a French Member of the European Parliament, after their vessel was intercepted in international waters while attempting to breach the Israeli blockade of Gaza.
The activists were part of the Madleen mission, organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) to highlight the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over two million Palestinians face what human rights groups describe as famine-like conditions.
The boat departed from Sicily on June 1 and was seized by Israeli naval forces early Monday, approximately 200 kilometers off the Gaza coast. It was forcibly towed to the Israeli port of Ashdod.
Though Israel insists its blockade of Gaza is lawful, international legal experts and human rights organizations argue that intercepting a civilian vessel in international waters constitutes a breach of international law.
Activists Held, Facing Deportation
The detainees are currently being processed for deportation at Ben Gurion International Airport. According to Adalah, a Palestinian legal center representing several of the activists, the Madleen was sailing under a British flag and never intended to enter Israeli waters.
“This seizure constitutes a serious breach of international law,” said Suhad Bishara, Adalah’s legal director. She confirmed that the activists were forcibly transferred from international waters to Israeli custody and are now being held pending deportation. Some are seeking legal counsel and may be moved to a detention center in Ramleh while awaiting immigration tribunal proceedings.
A video released by the flotilla before communication was cut showed activists peacefully raising their hands as Israeli forces boarded the vessel. Organizers say they have since lost contact with those onboard. None of the passengers were armed; the group included journalists, aid workers, and medical volunteers.
Official Reactions and Diplomatic Tensions
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the mission as a media stunt, calling the vessel a “selfie yacht” and mocking the presence of public figures like Thunberg. Spokesperson David Mencer singled out Thunberg, saying, “Greta wasn’t delivering aid; she was delivering herself.”
In a pre-recorded message released before the raid, Thunberg urged supporters to call for her release, accusing Israel of detaining peaceful human rights activists.
Governments across Europe have responded swiftly. Sweden’s Foreign Ministry confirmed it is in contact with Israeli officials to provide consular support, while the UK urged Israel to show restraint and respect international law. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated his description of the situation in Gaza as “appalling and intolerable.”
French President Emmanuel Macron has demanded the immediate release of six French nationals on board the Madleen, calling the blockade of Gaza a “disgrace” and a violation of humanitarian norms.
Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, condemned the interception, stating: “Israel has no legal authority to stop a civilian vessel in international waters, especially one carrying humanitarian aid and peaceful passengers.”
Protests and International Outcry
Protests erupted across Europe in response to the seizure, with demonstrators in Paris, London, Berlin, and Brussels accusing Israel of committing “an act of piracy.” Activists in Brussels called for tougher EU action against the blockade, which has been in place since 2007.
Al Jazeera, reporting from Amman due to its ban in Israel and the occupied West Bank, noted that the flotilla never intended to dock in Israel and remained outside Israeli territorial waters.
Despite Israeli claims that the blockade is justified for security reasons, global attention has once again turned to Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. Aid agencies continue to warn of widespread food shortages, lack of medical supplies, and crumbling infrastructure as Israeli airstrikes continue.
Legal and Humanitarian Uncertainty
The fate of the Madleen’s crew remains unclear. While some activists may be deported within hours, others are preparing to challenge their removal through Israeli courts. Legal teams and diplomats are working to gain access to the detainees, who remain in custody.
“This isn’t just about a dozen people on a boat,” said Huwaida Arraf, a lead organizer with the FFC. “It’s about millions of people in Gaza whose suffering is being systematically ignored. We expect the international community to speak out.”
As the deportation process unfolds, the incident has reignited international debate over Israel’s blockade, humanitarian law, and the rights of peaceful protest in global conflict zones.
