All Madleen passengers brought to Israel by Navy, German diplomat says

German Ambassador to Israel Steffen Seibert has confirmed that one German citizen was among the passengers aboard the Gaza-bound vessel Madeline, which was intercepted by the Israeli Navy.

The ambassador stated on his X account that Berlin is maintaining close communication with Israeli authorities regarding the incident, Caliber.Az reports.

We are in touch with the Israeli authorities about the “Madleen“. All passengers are brought to Israel by the Navy who assure us that they are all unharmed. They have been ordered to leave the country. We have offered consular assistance for one German citizen.

— Steffen Seibert (@GerAmbTLV) June 9, 2025

“We are in touch with the Israeli authorities about the ‘Madleen’,” Ambassador Seibert said in an official statement.

“All passengers are brought to Israel by the Navy who assure us that they are all unharmed. They have been ordered to leave the country. We have offered consular assistance for one German citizen.”

According to the ambassador, the Navy operation resulted in the safe transfer of all individuals aboard the vessel to Israeli territory, with no reports of injuries during the interception. The passengers have since been issued deportation orders.

To recap, the vessel, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), sought to deliver symbolic humanitarian aid—including baby formula and rice—to Gaza on June 9, aiming to draw attention to the ongoing crisis in the region.

The FFC reported on Telegram that the yacht was boarded overnight before it could reach Gaza’s shores, a fact later confirmed by Israel’s Foreign Ministry.

Israeli soldiers kidnapped 12 people on board the Madleen, including 11 activists and one journalist, said the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, an international NGO, which organized the mission.

The aid ship set sail for Gaza on June 1 from the Port of San Giovanni Li Cuti in Sicily, Italy.

The boat, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was en route to Gaza carrying supplies such as baby formula and medical materials, and had activists aboard.

By Vafa Guliyeva