Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said he ordered the military to stop a ship trying to reach Gaza. The ship, named Madleen, was carrying humanitarian aid. It also had several activists on board, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. According to Katz, once they arrive at Ashdod Port, they will be shown graphic footage of the October 7 Hamas attacks.
Ship Linked to Pro-Palestinian Group
Moreover, on Monday, Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that the military had intercepted the Madleen. The yacht, flying a British flag, was run by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), a group known for supporting Palestinians. Officials added that all passengers were safe and unharmed. In addition, they released a video showing Israeli soldiers offering food and water to those on board.
Katz Commends Israeli Forces
Soon after the operation, Katz took to X (formerly Twitter) to praise the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). He wrote, “I congratulate the IDF for the quick and safe takeover of the ‘Madlan’ flotilla to prevent them from breaking the blockade and reaching the shores of Gaza.”
Furthermore, Katz explained that the passengers will be shown videos of the Hamas-led massacre as soon as they reach the Israeli port.
אני מברך את צה"ל על ההשתלטות המהירה והבטוחה על משט "מדלן" כדי למנוע מהם לפרוץ את הסגר ולהגיע לחופי עזה.
— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) June 9, 2025
הנחיתי את צה"ל להקרין בפני נוסעי המשט את סרטון הזוועות של טבח ה-7 באוקטובר כאשר יגיעו לנמל אשדוד.
ראוי שגרטה האנטישמית וחבריה תומכי החמאס יראו בדיוק מיהו ארגון הטרור חמאס…
Defence Minister Slams Greta Thunberg
Katz also strongly criticised Greta Thunberg. He accused her of being antisemitic and claimed she supports Hamas. Katz said, “Antisemitic Greta and her Hamas-supporting friends should see exactly what the Hamas terrorist organisation, which they came to support and act on behalf of, truly is.”
He continued by saying that the activists need to witness the horrific acts committed against innocent people—especially women, elderly, and children—to understand what Israel is defending itself against.
Israel Will Deport All Activists
Meanwhile, the Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed that all passengers from the Madleen will be deported. However, the aid on board will still be delivered to Gaza, but only through approved humanitarian channels. At the same time, officials mocked the activists, calling the vessel a “Selfie yacht” and labelling the group as mere “celebrities.”
Freedom Flotilla Responds with Accusations
On the other hand, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition condemned the action. They claimed that Israeli forces had “kidnapped” the activists. They also shared pre-recorded statements from the passengers and earlier said that the Israeli army had boarded the yacht.
Previously, the group had set off from Sicily on May 1. They were carrying about twelve activists. Their main goal was to break Israel’s naval blockade and directly deliver aid to Gaza.