Greta Thunberg Detained by IDF on Gaza-Bound Aid Ship; Israel Says ‘The Show Is Over’
The Defense Forces (IDF) intercepted a vessel en route to Gaza on Monday, carrying Greta Thunberg and other activists.
The IDF confirmed the detention of the Madleen and all individuals on board, redirecting the ship to Israel.
A video shared on X by the Foreign Ministry shows an Israeli Navy officer communicating with the approaching vessel, which the ministry refers to as a “selfie yacht.”
The ministry stated that the Israeli Navy used international communication systems to instruct the “selfie yacht” to alter its course due to its proximity to a restricted area.
The video depicts a Navy officer informing the activists that the maritime zone off Gaza is closed and directing them to deliver aid through established channels.
The Israel Foreign Ministry stated that the passengers were “safe and unharmed” and provided with food and beverages.
“The show is over,” the ministry declared.
Israel had previously announced its intention to intercept the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.
Thunberg, a 22-year-old Swedish climate activist, embarked on the Madleen last week, flying a Palestinian flag alongside 11 other activists, including “Game of Thrones” actor Liam Cunningham and Rima Hassa, a French parliamentarian of Palestinian descent.
The group aimed to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip and raise awareness of the humanitarian situation there.
According to the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs, the aid aboard the ship amounted to less than a single truckload.
“The limited aid on the yacht, after being consumed by the ‘celebrities,’ will be transferred to Gaza via recognized humanitarian channels,” the ministry stated.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the IDF to show footage from October 7 to those who were on the Gaza-bound flotilla.
Digital’s Louis Casiano contributed to this report.