Everything that’s unfolded after Greta Thunberg and aid activists were intercepted by Israel

Israeli forces intercepted an aid ship en route to Gaza on Sunday, carrying a number of activists including Greta Thunberg.

Protesting Israel’s ongoing military campaign in the Gaza Strip, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) organised the trip in an effort to deliver aid to Palestinians. The organisation has since claimed that all 12 activists have been “kidnapped by Israeli forces”.

Many people tracked the progress of the British-flagged yacht as it set sail from the Sicilian port of Catania eight days ago, with a live tracker being shared publicly online.

The Madleen has been guided to dock at an Israeli port

Latest reports from Israel’s foreign ministry said at about 15:00 BST that the yacht was “continuing its journey toward an Israeli port”, with the FFC adding it was “urgently” working to locate the crew.

In a video posted by Greta Thunberg late on Sunday evening, she says: “My name is Greta Thunberg and I am from Sweden. If you see this video, we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by the Israeli occupational forces or forces that support Israel.

“I urge all my friends, family and comrades to put pressure on the Swedish government to release me and the others as soon as possible.”

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View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Freedom Flotilla Coalition (@gazafreedomflotilla)

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition Instagram account also posted videos from the 11 other activists on board and has continued to post updates about the situation.

Politicians in Israel explained how Greta Thunberg, along with the other activists on board, were approached by forces. Israeli government spokesman David Mencer gave a press conference, where he referred to the vessel. He said that all 12 activists were given plenty to eat and drink and confirmed that they will be deported to their home countries in a short time.

He also confirmed that the small amount of aid on board would reach its destination: “On the subject of aid, the yacht had a meagre cargo but of course it will be sent into Gaza.”

The ship encountered problems before being intercepted by Israeli forces

During its eight day journey, The Madleen encountered a number of incidents, including reporting drones flying overhead off the coast of Greece and encountering a migrant boat carrying up to 30 people and which was attempting to make it across the Mediterranean.

The Madleen was carrying a small amount of humanitarian aid such as baby formula and rice when it was intercepted this morning.

In a statement shared online, the FFC said: “The ship was unlawfully boarded, its unarmed civilian crew abducted, and its life saving cargo – including baby formula, food and medical supplies – confiscated.”

The FFC also reported that Israeli forces fired a “white paint-like substance” at the Madleen when it intercepted the boat earlier today: “Quadcopters are surrounding the ship, spraying it with a white paint-like substance. Communications are jammed, and disturbing sounds are being played over the radio.”

One activist on board, Yasmin Acar, showed a white substance on the deck during a livestream of the event, claiming that it had been dropped on the flotilla. She later could be heard saying it was affecting her eyes.

It’s also been reported that Israeli officials, including defence minister Israel Katz, have dismissed the activists as engaging in a publicity stunt, adding that the vessel would be towed to the port of Ashdod.

Mr Katz added that he told the military to force the passengers to watch videos of the Hamas atrocities of October 7th on arrival “to see exactly who the terrorist organisation they came to support and for whom they work is”.

The Israeli foreign ministry said that the “selfie yacht” was carrying “less than a single truckload of aid” when it was intercepted. Israel confirmed Greta Thunberg and all other activists, including Yasmin, would be deported and returned to their home countries.

Featured image via Instagram @gazafreedomflotilla