Israel's Foreign Ministry confirmed the detention of aid ship passengers, including notable activist Greta Thunberg, following the interception of the Madleen. The vessel was part of a mission promoting humanitarian aid to Gaza, which Israel sought to block.
Israel Detains Gaza Aid Ship Passengers, Including Greta Thunberg
Israel Detains Gaza Aid Ship Passengers, Including Greta Thunberg
The Israeli government has detained passengers from the Gaza-bound ship Madleen for deportation after intercepting it on the high seas.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday that passengers detained aboard the Gaza-bound aid ship, including environmental activist Greta Thunberg, were being transported to an airport in Tel Aviv for deportation. The interception occurred on Monday as Israeli forces halted the ship known as Madleen, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which advocates against Israel's longstanding naval blockade of Gaza.
According to statements from the ministry, the detained passengers are expected to depart Ben Gurion Airport for their home countries shortly. Those who refuse to comply may face judicial proceedings for deportation. As of early Tuesday morning, it remained uncertain if anyone had opted not to leave.
Representatives from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which coordinates international grassroots efforts to send humanitarian aid to Gaza, have yet to respond to inquiries regarding the situation. The Madleen, which had set sail from Sicily, was specifically dispatched to break the blockade imposed by Israel, which had previously declared its intention to prevent the ship from making landfall in Gaza.
Israeli officials issued warnings prior to the incident, stating that military action would be taken to stop the vessel. In contrast, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition described the operation as a territorial kidnapping by Israeli forces.
John Yoon is a correspondent based in Seoul, covering significant breaking news and trending stories.
