Israeli forces intercept Gaza-bound aid ship carrying Greta Thunberg
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Greta Thunberg speaking at a June 1 press conference in Catania, Italy, ahead of departing aboard the ship Madleen that activists planned to use to deliver humanitarian aid in Gaza. Photo: Fabrizio Villa/Getty Images
Israel intercepted a Gaza-bound aid boat carrying Greta Thunberg and 11 other activists early Monday, per posts from the Israeli government and the pro-Palestinian group behind the drive.
The big picture: The "Madleen" yacht that also carried "Game of Thrones" actor Liam Cunningham was being diverted to Israel, and the crew was "expected to return to their home countries," the Israeli Foreign Ministry said on X.
Details: The British-flagged ship that was raising awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas war was carrying aid including baby formula, food and medical supplies, per a statement from the organizer, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, that accused Israeli forces of kidnapping the crew.
- Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament who was aboard the ship, said on X the "crew of the Freedom Flotilla was arrested by the Israeli army in international waters" around 2am local time.
- The Israeli Foreign Ministry said on X that everyone aboard the "selfie yacht" of "celebrities" was unharmed and provided with sandwiches and water.
What they're saying: "Israel has no legal authority to detain international volunteers aboard the Madleen," said Huwaida Arraf, human rights attorney and Freedom Flotilla organizer, in a statement. "This seizure blatantly violates international law."
- The Israeli Foreign Ministry dismissed the voyage as a publicity stunt and said on X there "are ways to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip — they do not involve Instagram selfies."
