Israeli soldiers seizes Gaza sailboat, says ‘Selfie yacht show’s over’

Israeli forces intercepted and seized the sailing vessel Madleen, which was flying a British flag and chartered by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC). 

The vessel was en route to the Gaza Strip in defiance of Israel’s longstanding naval blockade.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed that the boat, described as the “celebrities' yacht,” is being escorted to an Israeli port. “The passengers are expected to return to their home countries,” a statement said Monday morning.

Greta Thunberg has been kidnapped by lsrael. #Madleen pic.twitter.com/9sdmYkutLV

— Muhammad Smiry 🇵🇸 (@MuhammadSmiry) June 9, 2025

In a post on social media, the ministry added: “All passengers of the ‘selfie yacht’ are safe and sound. They were given sandwiches and water. The show is over.”

The ministry accused activists like Greta Thunberg of staging a publicity stunt, saying: “While Greta and others attempted a media provocation carrying less aid than what fits in a single truck, Israel has facilitated over 1,200 aid trucks into Gaza over the past two weeks. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has distributed nearly 11 million meals directly to civilians.”

It emphasized that legitimate aid routes exist, adding, “Delivering humanitarian assistance does not involve Instagram selfies.” The limited supplies aboard the Madleen that had not been consumed by passengers would be redirected through established aid channels, according to Israeli authorities.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition announced via Telegram that contact with the Madleen had been lost and accused Israeli forces of “abducting” those on board after seizing the vessel.

All the passengers of the ‘selfie yacht’ are safe and unharmed. They were provided with sandwiches and water. The show is over. pic.twitter.com/tLZZYcspJO

— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) June 9, 2025

The boat had departed from Sicily on June 1 with a symbolic shipment of humanitarian aid, aiming to challenge Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza. Its last recorded position placed it roughly 31 nautical miles from the Gaza coast.

Among the passengers were activists including Swedish climate advocate Greta Thunberg, Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila, and French MEP Rima Hassan, who is of Palestinian descent. Hassan posted on X that five Israeli military boats had approached the Madleen.

The operation followed an order from Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to prevent the vessel from reaching Gaza. Minister Israel Katz also issued a warning, saying: “To the antisemitic Greta and her friends who spread Hamas propaganda: Turn back. You will not reach Gaza.”

Israeli media reported that the military had planned to intercept the vessel, escort it to the port of Ashdod, and initiate deportation proceedings for those aboard.