- Monday, June 09, 2025
Israel’s interception of the aid ship Madleen, carrying Greta Thunberg and other activists to Gaza, has sparked global condemnation, with many countries and NGOs calling it piracy and a violation of international law.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
On Monday (9), Israeli forces intercepted the aid vessel Madleen in international waters—approximately 100 nautical miles from Gaza—preventing it from delivering humanitarian supplies to the besieged Palestinian enclave.
The vessel, organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, carried 12 international activists including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, French MEP Rima Hassan, and journalist Omar Faiad.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition confirmed that communication with the ship was lost around 7:00 GMT. The activists on board were reportedly detained for interrogation after Israeli forces boarded the vessel with guns drawn, in what observers have called a clear breach of international maritime law.
Activists and Nations Condemn the Seizure
Governments, NGOs, and human rights organizations around the world have reacted strongly to the incident, calling the interception a form of modern piracy.
Palestine: Palestinian group Hamas condemned the move as a “flagrant violation of international law,” holding Israel fully accountable for the activists’ safety. Ramallah-based rights group Al-Haq asserted that Israel “has no legal authority to restrict access to Palestine,” stating the act undermines Palestinian sovereignty.
Iran and Turkiye: Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei labelled the action “piracy,” emphasizing it occurred in international waters. Turkiye called it a “clear violation of international law,” further accusing Israel of acting like a “terror state.”
RIMA HASSAN HAS BEEN ARRESTED.
GRETA THUNBERG HAS BEEN ARRESTED.All the Heroes aboard the Madleen ship has been arrested, the world has let you down. 💔⛵️
You tried until the last breath, We will never forget you!
WE LOVE YOU ALL, WE ARE GRATEFUL TO YOU❤️😔 pic.twitter.com/XAtlT79rEX
— Dr. Yousef 𓂆🇵🇸 (@yousef_ki1) June 9, 2025
European Governments Demand Accountability
France: French President Emmanuel Macron demanded the immediate return of six detained French nationals. The Elysee Palace emphasized France’s right to consular protection and has requested access to the detainees.
Spain: The Spanish government summoned the Israeli charge d’affaires in Madrid to express concern. El Pais reported the diplomatic rebuke followed coordinated outrage across Europe.
European Parliament: The Left, a faction in the European Parliament to which MEP Rima Hassan belongs, slammed the seizure, calling it a “blatant violation of international law.” They alleged that Israel’s move is “part of a wider strategy to starve and massacre Palestinians in Gaza.”
International NGOs and UN Speak Out
Amnesty International: Agnes Callamard, Secretary-General of Amnesty International, stated that as the occupying power, Israel is legally bound to ensure adequate access to food and medicine for Gaza’s civilians. Preventing aid deliveries is a breach of that duty, she said.
United Nations: UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese called for the Madleen’s immediate release. She urged all Mediterranean nations to send aid ships to Gaza in solidarity, stressing that “breaking the siege is a legal and moral imperative.”
Calls for Global Action
Australia: The Jewish Council of Australia voiced grave concern for the safety of the activists and called on their government to intervene urgently. Their statement emphasized the peaceful nature of the mission and the humanitarian intent behind the voyage.
United States: The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) issued a strong statement, calling the seizure cowardly and illegal. “We applaud Greta Thunberg and the other activists of the Madleen who bravely risked their safety and freedom to help the starving people of Gaza,” they said.
A Legal and Moral Flashpoint
The interception of the Madleen has become a global flashpoint, with mounting pressure on Israel to release the activists and allow humanitarian supplies into Gaza. As the humanitarian crisis worsens, calls for international action—and accountability—grow louder.
