On June 10, 2025, a humanitarian aid ship operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) was intercepted by the Israeli Navy in the Eastern Mediterranean. According to the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the vessel was stopped as part of the country’s long-standing maritime blockade, which has been in effect since 2007 to control the flow of supplies into Gaza. Israel stated that the operation was conducted under national security protocols. The passengers were brought ashore safely and processed according to immigration procedures. Humanitarian supplies on the vessel were subject to inspection, consistent with Israel’s standard policies for aid entering Gaza.
Greta Thunberg Among the Passengers
Among those on board was Greta Thunberg, the Swedish climate activist known worldwide for launching the “School Strike for Climate” in 2018. According to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, Thunberg joined the mission to advocate for humanitarian access to Gaza.
Other passengers included Rima Hassan, a Member of the European Parliament; journalist Yanis Mhamdi; Al Jazeera presenter Omar Faiad; and FFC organizers Yasemin Acar and Thiago Ávila. As reported by The Guardian, Israeli authorities confirmed the group was transferred to an airport near Tel Aviv for deportation processing. No criminal charges have been filed against any of the passengers.
Statements from the Involved Parties
In a video released by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, Thunberg stated that the vessel was intercepted in international waters and described the incident as a form of detainment. The video received widespread attention on social media.
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted on its official X account (formerly Twitter), stating: “All passengers aboard the ‘selfie yacht’ are safe and unharmed. They were provided with food and water.”
The Israeli government reiterated that the naval blockade is a necessary security measure, especially in light of the renewed conflict following the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and numerous hostage situations.
Humanitarian Conditions in Gaza
Since the escalation of hostilities, humanitarian organizations and international media have reported a deteriorating situation in Gaza. According to The Associated Press, citing figures from the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 54,000 people have died. Due to restricted access, these figures have not been independently verified by third-party monitoring organizations as of the time of publication.
Donald Trump’s Comments on the Incident
On June 10, former U.S. President Donald Trump was asked by reporters to comment on Greta Thunberg’s involvement in the aid mission. Trump did not provide specific comments on the Israeli military action but questioned the description of the event as a “kidnapping.” He remarked that Israel was facing numerous complex challenges and suggested that the accusation sounded exaggerated. Trump’s comments were consistent with his previous views on Thunberg, whom he has criticized in the past for her approach to activism.
Legal and Human Rights Perspectives
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition contends that the interception of the vessel in international waters violates maritime law. Legal experts note that such claims often hinge on the interpretation of jurisdiction and the legitimacy of the blockade.
Israel maintains that its naval blockade has been upheld by international legal reviews, including the UN’s 2011 Palmer Report, which deemed the blockade lawful under international law—while also criticizing the use of force in past enforcement actions.
Human rights organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International continue to raise concerns about the humanitarian impact of the blockade on Gaza’s civilian population. These organizations advocate for unrestricted humanitarian access, particularly during periods of conflict.
Deportation Process Ongoing
As of June 11, Israeli authorities confirmed that Thunberg and the other passengers were being processed for deportation. No legal proceedings have been initiated, and the individuals are expected to return to their respective countries once immigration formalities are complete.
Sweden’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs indicated that it is monitoring the situation but has not issued a formal protest. Several European officials have called for humane and lawful treatment of all involved.
Conclusion: Global Activism Meets Geopolitical Realities
The incident involving Greta Thunberg and the FFC aid vessel exemplifies the intersection of global activism, national security policy, and international law. While high-profile political figures may influence public debate, this article presents verified facts and perspectives from all sides, in accordance with reputable sources and content standards.
Sources:
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Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs: mfa.gov.il
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The Guardian
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Associated Press
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United Nations Palmer Report (2011)
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Human Rights Watch: hrw.org
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Amnesty International: amnesty.org
