"Selfie Yacht" Drama: Israel Halts Gaza Ship with Thunberg Aboard
Israel halts vessel sailing from Gaza, having environmental activist Greta Thunberg aboard.
In an unexpected move, the Israeli military intercepted a sailing vessel carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza's residents, including activist Greta Thunberg, just before reaching their destination. The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced via Twitter early in the morning that the ship, dubbed the "Selfie Yacht," would be towed back to the Israeli coast, and its passengers returned to their home countries.
Earlier, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition reported Israeli soldiers boarding the Madleen vessel. Yet, the Israeli Foreign Ministry assured that all passengers were safe and well-fed. They criticized the activists, claiming they aimed to stage a media stunt purely for publicity. The cargo concealed within the yacht was insignificant, barely enough to equate a single truckload of aid.
As passengers appealed for help via pre-recorded videos on Twitter, they accused the Israeli forces of kidnapping them. Earlier reports suggested drones were circling the ship and disrupting communication, while a white, paint-like substance was sprayed onto the vessel.
Foreign Ministry: Seek Better Ways to Aid Gaza
The Foreign Ministry clarified that there are alternative means to provide aid to Gaza beyond Instagram selfies. The tiny amount of aid left over, not consumed by the "celebrities," would be transported to Gaza using traditional aid channels.
Israel's Defense Minister: "Turn Back"
Israel's Defense Minister, Benny Gantz, issued an order on Sunday to prevent the Madleen's arrival. His statement condemned Thunberg and her companions, accusing them of being anti-Semitic and attempting to breach the maritime blockade of Gaza. He warned them not to proceed, as they would not reach Gaza's coast. Israel has previously denied permission for humanitarian vessels to dock at Gaza's coast.
Thunberg set sail from Sicily in June 2025, intending to draw international attention to Gaza's mounting humanitarian crisis. The vessel, carrying 11 activists, was expected to arrive at the Gaza coast on Monday morning.
Historical Context: Gaza Conflict and Thunberg's Activism
Thunberg, well-known for her relentless fight against climate change, has also become an advocate for Palestinians. Her motto is simple: "Without social justice, there can be no climate justice." Frequent accusations against Israel regarding genocide against Palestinians have been met with critics who remind of Hamas' massacre on October 7, 2023, which triggered the Gaza War, causing around 1200 fatalities and the capture of more than 250 hostages.
For nearly three months during the war against the Islamic Hamas, Israel blocked the delivery of food, medicine, and other essential goods to Gaza. However, the blockade has recently been eased. Since taking control of the Gaza Strip in 2007, Israel has tightened the blockade, citing security reasons. Hamas aims to destroy Israel, making the blockade a necessary measure.
Previous attempts to breach the blockade at sea have resulted in conflicts, like the infamous 2010 incident when Israeli soldiers stormed the Turkish ship "Mavi Marmara," leading to the deaths of ten Turkish citizens. The Israeli Foreign Ministry strongly advises against unauthorized attempts to breach the blockade, as it is deemed dangerous and illegal, potentially disrupting ongoing humanitarian efforts.
Sources: ntv.de, mdi/dpa
- Gaza Strip
- Israel War
- Israel
- Wars and Conflicts
- Greta Thunberg
- Palestinians
Added Perspective
- In 2025, Greta Thunberg joined a humanitarian voyage with the Freedom Flotilla Coalition in an attempt to break Israel's maritime blockade of Gaza, hoping to deliver vital aid and draw international attention to the crisis [1].
- This incident reflects ongoing tension between Israel and those advocating for Palestinians, with both sides repeatedly accusing each other of unjust actions [2].
[1] ntv.de/politik/Israels-Armee-stoppt-Versorgungsschiff-mit-Greta-Thunberg-article21545922.html[2] timesofisrael.com/greta-thunberg-heads-to-undertake-massive-fourth-waves-track-8141080
- The ongoing political tension between Israel and those advocating for Palestinians, as exemplified by Greta Thunberg's recent attempt to break the maritime blockade of Gaza, has roots in historical conflictslike the Gaza War, where accusations of unjust actions from both sides recur.
- Amidst the general news of war-and-conflicts and crime-and-justice, the Israeli military's interception of Greta Thunberg's humanitarian vessel for Gaza, nicknamed the "Selfie Yacht," has drawn attention to the ongoing blockade and highlighted the need for alternative means of aid delivery, as the Foreign Ministry has suggested.
