Israel blocks humanitarian ship with Greta Thunberg on board
Greta Thunberg denounces detention by Israel during aid mission to Gaza.
Greta Thunberg claims to have been detained in international waters; Israel responds that the mission was a media provocation.
Photo taken from: Ministry of Foreign Affairs in X
A ship carrying humanitarian aid heading to the Gaza Strip was intercepted early Monday morning by the Israeli Navy. On board the vessel, identified as Madleen and belonging to the “La Libertad” flotilla, were twelve international activists from countries such as Sweden, Spain, Germany and Brazil, among them the renowned environmental activist Greta Thunberg.
Thunberg posted a video from the boat, shared on the social media platform X, in which she accused Israeli forces of having “kidnapped” them in international waters. “My name is Greta Thunberg and I am from Sweden. If you see this video, we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by the Israeli occupation forces, or forces supporting them,” she denounced. The activist also called on her government to intervene in her release and expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Israel replied: “A media stunt, not a humanitarian mission.”
Following the release of the video, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued several statements. where he rejected the accusations and offered his version of events. The diplomatic ministry described the operation as a "media provocation" aimed at gaining visibility, rather than providing substantial aid.
"The yacht claims to be delivering humanitarian aid. In reality, this is a media stunt to gain publicity; a 'selfie yacht' includes less than the load of a single truck," the ministry stated. They emphasized that the maritime area off the coast of Gaza is under a legal naval blockade, in accordance with international law, and that any unauthorized vessel will be intercepted.
They also detailed that in the last two weeks, more than 1,200 trucks with humanitarian aid have entered Gaza through established border crossings, and that the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has distributed nearly 11 million meals to the civilian population.
"A social media spectacle isn't necessary to deliver humanitarian aid. There are legitimate and coordinated channels that operate effectively," the statement added. The small amount of supplies the ship was carrying will be redirected to Gaza through these official mechanisms.
“They won’t reach Gaza”
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz had anticipated the government's response by declaring that no vessels would be allowed to breach the blockade. "I have instructed the army to prevent the arrival of the Madleen", he noted. He also had harsh words for the Swedish activist: "To Greta the antisemite and her colleagues, spokespersons for Hamas propaganda, I say clearly: turn back, because you will not reach Gaza."
Flotilla spokeswoman Hay Sha Wiya responded forcefully. “The Madleen It is a civilian vessel, unarmed, transporting humanitarian aid. Israel has no right to obstruct our efforts," he said.
Hours before they boarded, the boat was sailing off the coast of Egypt. It was scheduled to arrive in Gaza this Monday morning.
Ship's destination and passengers' status
The Israeli Foreign Ministry later confirmed that all passengers were safe, uninjured, and were being treated with snacks and water. The vessel was escorted to Israeli shores and the passengers are expected to be repatriated. to their countries of origin in the coming days.
“The show is over,” the ministry said in a final statement.
The situation has generated a wave of reactions on social media, ranging from support for the activists to criticism of the media's use of the operation. Meanwhile, the debate over the blockade of Gaza, Israeli security, and the humanitarian emergency in the enclave continues to be a source of international tension.
For more stories like this, keep reading. More Latin.
Sources:
English 
Spanish