Israeli forces have intercepted an aid vessel attempting to breach the naval blockade of Gaza, with climate activist Greta Thunberg and a French parliamentarian among those onboard.

The yacht, named Madleen, was carrying 12 international activists from Brazil, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Turkey, who say they were attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the besieged enclave.

In a social media post before the vessel was seized, Thunberg said the group was “bringing aid to Gaza” and accused Israel of “kidnapping” the crew and passengers. 

The ship was intercepted before reaching its destination and is now being escorted to Ashdod, a southern Israeli port.

Israel’s foreign ministry dismissed the mission as a publicity stunt, calling it a “selfie yacht” and asserting that the interception was conducted safely.

“We are ensuring the safety of those onboard,” the ministry said. Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated the activists would be shown video footage of the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, upon arrival, saying they needed to “understand the reality on the ground.”

The Palestinian foreign ministry condemned the interception and called for immediate international protection for the passengers, warning of potential harm to civilians engaged in humanitarian efforts.

Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on Palestinian human rights, urged more international vessels to sail in solidarity and challenge the blockade, which has been in place since 2007.

The incident has reignited international debate over humanitarian access to Gaza, where the United Nations has repeatedly warned of a worsening crisis amid continued hostilities and aid restrictions.

Source: BBC

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