The Israeli military has seized the humanitarian aid ship Maddeline, operated by the international non-profit Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), before it could reach Gaza. The vessel, which departed from Catania, Sicily on June 1, was intercepted in international waters and is now being towed to the Israeli port of Ashdod. The ship was carrying essential humanitarian aid including flour, rice, baby formula, medical supplies, diapers, sanitary products, water purification kits, crutches, and prosthetics for children — all urgently needed in Gaza, where over 90% of the 2.3 million population faces extreme food insecurity.
Onboard were 12 human rights activists from various countries, including prominent Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg; Rima Hassan, a French MEP of Palestinian descent; Yasemin Acar from Germany; Baptiste Andrée from France; Thiago Avila from Brazil; Omar Fayad, Pascal Maurieras, Yanis Mohamadi, and Riva Via from France; Suleyb Ordu from Turkey; Sergio Toribio from Spain; and Marco von Renesse from the Netherlands.
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the seizure via a post on social media platform X, controversially referring to the vessel as a “selfie yacht” carrying “celebrities,” and accused the activists of trying to provoke the media for publicity. The post expressed dissatisfaction with what it framed as a media stunt disguised as humanitarian work.
FFC confirmed the incident and stated via Telegram that all communications with the ship were cut off by Israeli forces. A photo shared by the organization showed the detained activists seated with their hands raised, signaling peaceful compliance.
Named after Gaza’s first and only female fisherwoman, Maddeline was transporting supplies after Israel imposed a complete blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza since March 2, a situation that has reportedly resulted in child deaths from starvation. Despite mounting global appeals, the Israeli military has reiterated that no aid ships will be allowed to enter its territorial waters.
The seizure underscores growing international tensions over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where a prolonged blockade and continued military operations have led to mass suffering. FFC emphasized that Maddeline was not only a humanitarian mission but also a peaceful protest against the Israeli blockade, aimed at drawing global attention to the urgent needs of the besieged population.