This news report details the interception of the "Madleen" Gaza Freedom Flotilla by the Israeli Navy on June 10, 2025. The vessel, carrying humanitarian aid and pro-Palestinian activists including Greta Thunberg, intended to break Israel's naval blockade of Gaza. Upon arrival in Ashdod, activists were offered voluntary deportation. While Greta Thunberg and three others agreed to leave, eight activists, notably French MEP Rima Hassan and German national Yasemin Acar (known for controversial remarks on October 7), refused and were transferred to detention facilities. Israeli authorities attempted to show the activists footage of Hamas's October 7 atrocities, which they reportedly refused to watch. Defense Minister Israel Katz strongly condemned the activists, reaffirming Israel's commitment to the blockade to prevent weapons reaching Hamas.
Summarizing the Interception of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla
June 10, 2025: Flotilla Interception and Initial Options
The "Madleen" Gaza Freedom Flotilla, carrying humanitarian aid and 12 pro-Palestinian activists (including Greta Thunberg, Rima Hassan, Yasemin Acar, and Liam Cunningham), was intercepted by the Israeli Navy in international waters and brought to Ashdod port.
Activists were offered the option to sign a voluntary departure form or face arrest and judicial proceedings after 96 hours.
Voluntary Departures vs. Refusal and Detention
Four activists, including Greta Thunberg, voluntarily departed from Israel.
Eight activists refused to leave and were transferred to the Givon detention facility.
Among those refusing were French MEP Rima Hassan, who has faced criticism for denying Bibas family murders, calling the October 7 massacre "legitimate," and advocating for Palestinians in Europe to join "resistance."
German activist Yasemin Acar, another refuser, has previously celebrated Iran's attacks against Israel and expressed solidarity with Hamas.
Of six French nationals aboard, one voluntarily left, while the remaining five are held at Ramle detention facility, awaiting deportation following a judge's order.
Israeli Response and Presentation of October 7 Footage
Upon arrival, Israeli authorities screened footage of Hamas's October 7 atrocities to the activists; Defense Minister Israel Katz stated they refused to continue watching, calling them "antisemitic flotilla activists" who "prefer the murderers over the victims."
Katz reiterated Israel's firm stance against breaching the naval blockade, emphasizing its goal to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas.
The Flotilla's Mission and Contents
Organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the ship departed from Catania, Sicily, with the stated aim of breaking Israel's naval blockade of Gaza and delivering humanitarian aid (medical supplies, food, diapers, water desalination kits, prosthetics).
During its journey, the vessel reportedly diverted its route to rescue four migrants stranded in the Mediterranean Sea.
Past and Future Flotilla Efforts
This mission followed a previous attempt in May by the coalition's ship "Conscience," which was allegedly damaged by a UAV near Malta.
A parallel "Global March to Gaza" overland initiative through Egypt is also planned in the coming days.