‘No Entry’ for Activists: Israel Moves to Deport Thunberg’s Gaza Protest Boat

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🚨 Incident Overview

A yacht named Madleen, carrying 12 pro-Palestinian activists and a small amount of humanitarian aid, was intercepted by Israeli forces while attempting to reach the Gaza Strip.

The boat is now being redirected to an Israeli port, according to Israel’s foreign ministry.
Onboard were Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, a French lawmaker, and other international activists.

🇮🇱 Israeli Government Response

Israeli authorities referred to the vessel as a “selfie yacht”, downplaying the operation and calling it a publicity stunt.
They claim the aid onboard amounted to “less than a single truckload.”
Israel confirmed that all activists will be deported.
No reports of violence during the interception have been confirmed so far.

📹 Activist Reactions

In a pre-recorded video message, Greta Thunberg claimed the group was “kidnapped” by Israeli forces, criticizing what she called an illegal blockade and demanding global solidarity with Gaza.

🕊️ International Reactions

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry has called for international protection for the activists.
A UN official expressed concern for their safety and called for more coordinated maritime aid missions, encouraging ships to “sail together” to challenge the blockade and ensure aid reaches civilians.

📦 Aid Contents & Objectives

The mission was symbolic, intended to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Though the quantity of aid was small, the voyage was aimed at protesting Israel’s blockade and raising international awareness.

📝 Summary

This latest maritime standoff underscores growing international tensions over Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. With high-profile figures like Greta Thunberg involved, the incident has garnered widespread media attention and reignited debate over Israel’s blockade and aid access to Palestinian civilians.