Greta Thunberg says she’s been ‘kidnapped’ by Israel while trying to reach Gaza
Greta Thunberg and other activists aboard the British-flagged aid ship *Madleen* were intercepted by Israeli forces while attempting to break the naval blockade of Gaza. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), which organized the mission, accused Israel of unlawfully boarding the vessel in international waters and detaining its 12 crew members, including Thunberg and French MEP Rima Hassan. In a video, Thunberg claimed they had been “kidnapped” and urged the Swedish government to secure their release. Israel confirmed the interception, stating all passengers were unharmed and provided with food and water.
The FFC condemned the seizure, calling the detention of the civilian crew “arbitrary and unlawful” and claiming their humanitarian cargo—including baby formula and medical supplies—was confiscated. Israel defended its actions, sarcastically referring to the mission as a “selfie yacht” and asserting aid would reach Gaza through official channels. The blockade, in place since 2007, has intensified since the October 2023 Hamas attacks, with over 54,000 Palestinian deaths reported and millions facing famine. Israel argues the restrictions are necessary to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas, while critics decry the humanitarian crisis.
