Greta Thunberg, a Swedish environmental activist, and others were detained by the Israeli Navy while sailing to the Gaza Strip with supplies for victims of the Palestinian war.
According to the Associated Press on the 9th, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that it towed the sailing ship Madeleine, which was heading toward the Gaza Strip, to the Israeli coast. The passengers are set to be repatriated to their home countries.
CNN reported that the Madeleine, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was carrying humanitarian supplies, including infant formula and food, as well as medical supplies.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition stated, "Unarmed civilian crew members were kidnapped, and cargo intended to save lives was confiscated."
Thunberg, in a social media video posted prior to the transfer of the vessel, said, "Right now, we are being held by the Israeli Navy in international waters. I urge friends, family, and all colleagues to pressure the Swedish government to liberate me and all other activists."
In response, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on social media platform X, "The 'selfie yacht' of celebrities is safely moving toward the Israeli coast," adding, "All passengers are scheduled to be sent back to their respective home countries."
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stated, "We provided them with water and sandwiches," and said, "The show is over. The humanitarian supplies being transported by the Madeleine will be delivered through existing routes."
It is reported that there were 12 activists on board the Madeleine, including Thunberg and activists from Germany, France, Brazil, Turkey, Sweden, Spain, and the Netherlands.
Among the activists was Lima Hassan, a Palestinian-French member of the European Parliament, who is banned from entering Israel due to her opposition to Israeli policies concerning Palestine.
They departed from Sicily, Italy, on the 1st to deliver supplies to the Gaza Strip and planned to enter Gaza's territorial waters that evening.
Israel has been blockading Gaza since 2007, closing off all but 10 kilometers of the Mediterranean coastline near Gaza. Since Hamas launched a full-scale attack on October 7, 2023, the intensity of the blockade has increased.
Israel claims, "It is inevitable to maintain the blockade to prevent the smuggling of arms by Hamas," and stated, "Humanitarian supplies are being provided without issues."
Freedom Flotilla Coalition vessels attempted to approach Gaza last month but were unsuccessful after being attacked by drones in international waters near Malta. At that time, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition identified Israel as being behind the attacks.