Greta Thunberg among activists detained after Israeli seizure of Gaza-bound aid ship

Israeli forces seized a boat carrying humanitarian aid and international activists, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, as it sailed toward Gaza on Monday. The vessel, named Madleen, was intercepted approximately 120 miles from Gaza in international waters, according to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organized the mission.

In a statement, the coalition said the ship was “unlawfully boarded,” its unarmed crew detained, and essential supplies — such as baby formula, food, and medical aid — confiscated.

Israeli authorities dismissed the mission as a publicity stunt and stated that the 12 detained passengers would be deported, while the aid would be rerouted through official humanitarian channels.

Thunberg released a prerecorded message urging people to pressure the Swedish government to secure the group's release. “I urge all my friends, family and comrades to put pressure on the Swedish government to release me and the others as soon as possible,” she said.

Among those aboard were six French citizens. French President Emmanuel Macron’s office called on Israel to facilitate their return to France promptly, the Associated Press reports.

Turkey condemned the interception as a “heinous attack” in international waters, the BBC reports. In 2010 Israeli forces stormed a Turkish flotilla en route to Gaza, resulting in the deaths of nine activists.

This latest mission was part of a broader campaign to highlight Israel’s blockade of Gaza, which has severely restricted the flow of aid. Though some supplies have begun entering the enclave in recent weeks, humanitarian groups say conditions remain dire.