In the early hours of Monday, Israeli naval forces from the elite Shayetet 13 unit boarded and took control of the vessel “Madleen,” a boat operated by pro-Palestinian activists attempting to challenge Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza. The interception occurred without any physical resistance, and all those on board were detained peacefully. The vessel is currently being escorted to Ashdod.
The activists — a group that includes notable figures such as Greta Thunberg, actor Liam Cunningham, and European Parliament member Rima Hassan — were part of a publicized mission that Israeli officials dismissed as a political stunt. “The ‘selfie yacht’ of the ‘celebrities’ is safely making its way to the shores of Israel. The passengers are expected to return to their home countries,” stated the Foreign Ministry.

According to the Ministry, the aid on board was minimal and symbolic, and the operation was designed primarily for media attention. “While Greta [Thunberg] and others attempted to stage a media provocation whose sole purpose was to gain publicity — and which included less than a single truckload of aid — more than 1,200 aid trucks have entered Gaza from Israel within the past two weeks, and in addition, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has distributed close to 11 million meals directly to civilians in Gaza,” the Ministry emphasized.
Israeli authorities stressed that legitimate humanitarian efforts are regularly coordinated and effective, in contrast to unauthorized efforts like the “Madleen” voyage. “There are ways to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip — they do not involve Instagram selfies. The tiny amount of aid that was on the yacht and not consumed by the ‘celebrities’ will be transferred to Gaza through real humanitarian channels,” the Ministry noted.
As the operation unfolded, Israeli officials released a video showing the activists being given food and water following their detention. “All the passengers of the ‘selfie yacht’ are safe and unharmed. They were provided with sandwiches and water. The show is over,” read an update from the Foreign Ministry.
Prior to the Navy’s intervention, the activists had reported signs of distress, including a warning alarm sounding on board and alleged interference by drones. The flotilla’s Telegram account posted: “An alarm was sounded on deck, and life jackets are ready in case of an attempted takeover of the ship.” A short while later, another message read: “The vessel that approached us has left. All eyes on deck, all eyes on Gaza.” The group later admitted the alarm was false.
The activists further alleged that drones had encircled their ship and released a white irritant, but Israeli officials dismissed the entire mission as illegal and misleading. “The maritime zone off the coast of Gaza is closed to unauthorized vessels under a legal naval blockade, consistent with international law,” the Foreign Ministry reiterated. “The yacht is claiming that it is delivering humanitarian aid. In fact, it is a media gimmick for publicity (which includes less than a single truckload of aid) — a ‘selfie yacht’.”
They went on to explain that real assistance is being provided daily through sanctioned channels. “Humanitarian aid is delivered regularly and effectively via different channels and routes, and is transferred through established distribution mechanisms. Over the past two weeks, more than 1,200 aid trucks have entered Gaza from Israel. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has distributed close to 11 million meals directly to civilians in Gaza.”
The Ministry also highlighted the risk posed by unauthorized sea travel toward Gaza, noting the area’s volatile security conditions. “The Gaza maritime zone remains an active conflict area, and Hamas has previously exploited sea routes for terrorist attacks, including the October 7th massacre. Unauthorized attempts to breach the blockade are dangerous, unlawful, and undermine ongoing humanitarian efforts,” it said. “We call on all actors to act responsibly and to channel humanitarian aid through legitimate, coordinated mechanisms, not through provocation.”
At an earlier stage, the Israeli Navy had used civilian communication channels to contact the “Madleen” and instructed the vessel to alter its course. “The Israeli Navy is currently communicating with the ‘selfie yacht’. Using an international civilian communication system, the Israeli Navy has instructed the ‘selfie yacht’ to change its course due to its approach toward a restricted area,” the Ministry disclosed.
Defense Minister Israel Katz had ordered a firm stance on the flotilla. He directed the military to block the vessel from entering Gaza waters and authorized “any operational measures deemed necessary.” “The State of Israel will not allow anyone to violate the maritime blockade on Gaza, which exists primarily to prevent the transfer of weapons to Hamas — a murderous terrorist organization that holds our hostages and commits war crimes,” Katz declared.
He added, “I have instructed the IDF to ensure that the ‘Madleen’ flotilla does not reach Gaza. To the antisemitic Greta and her Hamas-propaganda-spreading friends, I say this clearly: you’d better turn back — you will not reach Gaza. Israel will act against any attempt to break the blockade or support terrorist organizations — by sea, air, or land.”
In anticipation of the flotilla’s approach, Israel’s defense forces conducted simulations to prepare for potential confrontations at sea. Navy personnel were briefed on protocols: if the ship’s operators agreed to reverse course, they would be allowed to depart; if not, Shayetet 13 was to board the vessel and redirect it to Ashdod.
{Matzav.com}