Twelve people, including celebrated climate activist Greta Thunberg, who pledged to travel to Gaza as part of a humanitarian mission, have found themselves in a situation where their boat was intercepted and taken to Ashdod Port, from where they were transferred to Ben Gurion Airport for deportation.
The group was attempting to reach Gaza through the sea to deliver aid.
In a statement made on X, Israel's Foreign Ministry confirmed the news: "The 'Selfie Yacht' passengers arrived at Ben Gurion Airport to leave Israel and head back home." The ministry also warned that any passenger who would not sign the required deportation papers would be presented before legal authorities.
The activists were aboard a mission coordinated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), which involved sailing life-critical supplies, such as rice and baby formula, to Gazan residents. Their ship, Madleen, was intercepted approximately 185 kilometers offshore of Gaza.
Video footage shared by the group showed Israeli personnel boarding the vessel while passengers were standing with their hands raised. A protester in the video said that the operation was executed without loss of life.
Following the seizure, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant described that the detainees were subjected to medical examinations and screened with a video of the October 7 Hamas attacks. "When they realized what it was all about, they stopped watching," Gallant reacted, condemning Thunberg and her friends of supposedly turning a blind eye to the atrocities perpetrated by Hamas.
The FFC condemned the actions of Israel, asserting that its troops "attacked" and "illegally boarded" their vessel. The coalition insisted their work was purely humanitarian in nature and aimed to reduce the misery in Gaza, which is subject to strict aid restrictions as a result of Israel's continued blockade.
The crew on board comprised nationals from many countries, such as Brazil, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Turkey. More remarkable individuals among them were Rima Hassan, a French Member of the European Parliament, and Omar Faiad, a journalist with Al Jazeera.
The arrests earned immediate condemnation by world leaders, including the French President Emmanuel Macron, who insisted that the French nationals be released immediately. "Asked for the six French citizens to be able to return to France as soon as possible," a statement from the Élysée Palace said.
Macron emphasized France's unshakeable dedication to the protection of its citizens abroad, stating the nation "vigilant" and in support of its citizens "when they are at risk." The government of France also urged Israel to ensure the safety of all those arrested, with Macron condemning the Gaza blockade as both "a scandal" and "a shame.
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