Israeli military forces have taken control of a vessel traveling to Gaza with Swedish activist Greta Thunberg onboard
According to official statements from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the situation surrounding the ship, which was heading to the Gaza Strip to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis, has reached its logical conclusion: Israeli naval forces boarded the vessel and seized it. Official information indicates that the ship named Madlee, owned by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, is currently being towed to Israeli shores, and all passengers onboard remain safe and unharmed. Reports from representatives of the Israeli MFA state that the incident occurred after military personnel boarded the vessel with 12 activists—members of the "Freedom Flotilla" coalition, which organized this action. They assert that the primary goal of this operation was not to disrupt public order but to draw international attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to deliver aid there. However, Israeli military forces insist that the ship attempted to provoke media attention—that their only aim was to ensure security and control in the crisis zone. According to information published on social media, particularly in Telegram channels, communication with the ship's "self-defense" team has been lost since the seizure. The "Freedom Flotilla" coalition released a series of pre-recorded video messages from individuals onboard, requesting help and describing their intent to assist Gaza residents—raising global awareness of the situation in the region. It is currently unknown where exactly these activists are located and under what conditions they are being held, but negotiations are reportedly ongoing with them. Regarding Greta Thunberg, representatives of the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the activist and her team attempted to attract global public attention to the humanitarian issues in the Middle East. They emphasize that these actions were entirely peaceful and aimed at raising awareness, not provoking conflict or provocations. The ministry underlines that the Swedish activist remains safe, and her evacuation from the vessel is planned for the near future. Protests and actions of this kind, aimed at drawing attention to the conflict in Gaza, have repeatedly become topics of discussion both worldwide and within Israel itself. Law enforcement officials stress that any actions violating laws or leading to escalation will be firmly suppressed. Negotiations are currently underway to determine further steps in this situation, while the international community calls for peace and urges the avoidance of provocations that could worsen the regional situation. This incident once again highlights the complexity and sensitivity of the humanitarian situation in the conflict zone, as well as the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in achieving lasting peace. While activists around the world continue to express their support for Gaza residents, governments of different countries call for conflict resolution through negotiations rather than force. The investigation into the circumstances of the vessel's seizure is ongoing, and experts warn that similar actions could have severe consequences for further diplomatic activity in the region.