International Activists on Gaza-Bound Vessel Redirected to Ashdod Port by Israeli Authorities

Image Credits: Freedom Flotilla Coalition/Facebook

A recent report from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) reveals that on June 9, 2025, the Israeli navy intercepted a humanitarian aid vessel named Madleen, which was en route to Gaza. This ship carried twelve international activists, including notable figures like Swedish climate advocate Greta Thunberg and French-Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan.

The interception occurred in international waters where Israeli forces claimed the vessel breached a maritime blockade against Gaza. After multiple warnings to alter its course went unheeded, special forces from Shayetet 13 boarded the ship without any physical altercation. The activists were afterward taken to Ashdod for medical evaluations and faced deportation.

The mission of Madleen was organized by the FFC and set sail from sicily on June 1 with a small shipment of symbolic humanitarian supplies aimed at highlighting the dire situation in Gaza—where food shortages have become increasingly severe due to ongoing conflict.

Before being boarded, footage shared by FFC depicted activists raising their hands as they were approached by Israeli forces. The coalition condemned this action as an unlawful seizure in international waters and characterized it as akin to “kidnapping.” They emphasized that at the time of interception, Madleen was flying under a UK flag.

According to both FFC organizers and Palestinian legal group Adalah, Israel’s actions contravened international law as their destination was not Israel but rather what they refer to as “State of Palestine.” Adalah asserted that there was no intention among activists to enter Israeli territory and labeled accusations against them as unfounded.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that detained activists would be shown footage documenting Hamas attacks from October 7, 2023. He argued this would provide context for what he described as justification for maintaining the blockade. Though, he noted that many refused to view all parts of this graphic material captured during those events.Katz criticized these individuals for allegedly ignoring Hamas’s actions while labeling them antisemitic in his public remarks.

Meanwhile, reactions poured in regarding this interception; critics such as the UN special rapporteur for occupied Palestinian territories contended that Israel had no authority over humanitarian vessels operating in international waters.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged restraint from Israel while reminding it about its obligations under international humanitarian law. Turkey also denounced the operation likening it to state-sponsored piracy driven by malicious intent.

As per recent updates from FFC, four out of twelve detained individuals have been deported while eight remain unjustly held captive.Those who opted not to leave immediately are expected before a tribunal soon; lawyers representing them plan on advocating for their release based on their right to continue their mission unhindered.

FFC has raised alarms about fairness within Israeli legal proceedings suggesting they prioritize existing policies over justice delivery while anticipating forced expulsions ahead. they also called attention towards Palestinians currently imprisoned by Israel—over 10,400 according to Addameer Prisoner Support Association—with more than 400 being minors and around 3,500 held without trial or due process rights acknowledged.

In closing statements reflecting urgency amidst these developments: “the world is watching.”