Arrival of Activists Accompanied by Greta Thunberg at Israeli Airport for Deportation; Countries Seek Asylum for Their Nationals
Scoop: Israel Deports Pro-Palestinian Activists Intercepted on 'Madleen' Yacht
In an intense turn of events, a group of pro-Palestinian activists, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, were detained and subsequently deported by Israeli authorities. The action came after the yacht "Madleen," operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was intercepted while trying to reach Gaza with humanitarian aid aboard.
The 'Selfie Yacht' Intercepted
The "Madleen" met its fate on Monday, shortly before reaching the Gaza Strip. Israel's navy vessels escorted the boat to the port of Asdod, where the twelve international activists on board hailed from France, Germany, Brazil, Turkey, Sweden, Spain, and the Netherlands. Their mission, simply put, was to bust the Israeli blockade on Palestinian territory, which has been in a critical humanitarian crisis for over a year and a half.
Deportation Like a Boss
Upon landing at Ben Gurion Airport, the passengers of the "Madleen" were beginning their fateful return journey to their homelands. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on social media, letting the world know that the boat's passengers were now in the process of exiting Israel. But those unwilling to comply with deportation documents and promptly leave the country were threatened with judicial intervention.
Before kissing Israeli soil goodbye, the activists were adorned with orange life jackets and raised their hands during the interception, some handing over their cell phones as ordered, while others decided to take a plunge by ditching their mobile devices overboard.
International Reactions
The incident has stirred mixed responses around the globe. The Qatari network Al Jazeera condemned the "Israeli assault on the boat" and demanded the release of its correspondent, Omar Faiad. Amnesty International called out Israel's actions, stating that the interception of the "Madleen" and detention of the crew "violates international law." Meanwhile, Iran and Turkey expressed disapproval, labeling the operation an "act of piracy" and a "vile attack," respectively.
The Never-ending Battle
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, an international non-violent movement supporting Palestinians and protesting the Gaza blockade, vowed to continue their efforts, despite this setback. France, home to six of the detained activists, has taken steps to protect its citizens, with President Emmanuel Macron urging Israel to lift the humanitarian blockade on Gaza. Regardless of the outcome of this latest mission, it is clear that the struggle for Palestine has only become even more complex.
[1] Freedom Flotilla Coalition. "(Freedom Flotilla Coalition) Announces 'Madleen' journey to challenge Israeli blockade of Gaza." June 6, 2025. https://freedomflotilla.org/news-events/press-releases/freedom-flotilla-coalition-announces-madleen-journey-to-challenge-israeli-blockade-of-gaza.[2] Mondoweiss. "Greta Thunberg joins Freedom Flotilla Coalition to challenge Israeli blockade of Gaza." June 7, 2025. https://mondoweiss.net/2025/06/greta-thunberg-freedom-flotilla-coalition-israeli-blockade-gaza.[3] The Times of Israel. "Israel intercepts Gaza-bound Freedom Flotilla vessel." June 9, 2025. https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-intercepts-gaza-bound-freedom-flotilla-vessel.[4] Al Jazeera. "Israeli forces intercept and detain 'Madleen' vessel." June 9, 2025. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/9/israeli-forces-intercept-and-detain-madleen-vessel.[5] Amnesty International. "Israel must allow the 'Madleen' to reach Gaza safely." June 10, 2025. https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/mde23/4553/2025/en/.[6] Associated Press. "Greta Thunberg on Israeli-intercepted boat: 'We demand freedom.'" June 10, 2025. https://apnews.com/article/greta-thunberg-israel-gaza-strip-activists-2ac15a2f8651e19afc80b253c6f55882.[7] France 24. "Macron condemns Israel's 'scandalous' blockade of Gaza." June 10, 2025. https://www.france24.com/en/20250610-macron-condemns-israels-scandalous-blockade-of-gaza.[8] Reuters. "Iran, Turkey slam Israeli interception of pro-Palestinian activists' boat." June 11, 2025. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-turkey-slam-israeli-interception-pro-palestinian-activists-boat-2025-06-11.
- The detention and subsequent deportation of the pro-Palestinian activists, including Greta Thunberg, raises questions and concerns about the political landscape of the world, as their mission aimed to challenge the Israeli blockade on Gaza.
- In the midst of the international general news about the interception and deportation of activists, Amnesty International has voiced its opposition, arguing that the incident violates international law by obstructing the "Madleen's" passage to Gaza with humanitarian aid.
