Jerusalem – Israeli forces took control of the British-flagged yacht Madleen, operated by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition, before it could break the naval blockade and deliver symbolic aid to Gaza. The boat carried 12 people, including activist Greta Thunberg and EU Parliament member Rima Hassan.
The Israeli government called the mission a propaganda stunt and confirmed all passengers were unharmed. A small amount of aid on board, including rice and baby formula, will be sent to Gaza through official channels. The blockade, in place since 2007, aims to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas.
UN officials supported the flotilla and urged further international action to challenge the blockade amid warnings of famine in Gaza.
