In brief
On June 9, Israel intercepted the Madleen, a ship carrying aid and activists, including Greta Thunberg, intended for Gaza, reigniting discussions about the humanitarian blockade imposed on the region.
The Madleen departed from Sicily on June 1 as part of a mission organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which advocates against the Israeli blockade of Gaza, now in its second decade. Israeli forces warned that they would use "any means necessary" to block the ship's arrival. Surveillance footage from the interception showed individuals on the vessel in life vests as an Israeli military ship approached. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition accused Israeli forces of "kidnapping" their activists, while Israel stated it would repatriate the passengers to their respective countries.
