Israel prepares to deport pro-Palestinian activists from Gaza-bound aid vessel

Israeli authorities are making arrangements to deport all pro-Palestinian activists who were aboard the Gaza-bound aid vessel Madleen, including prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg, following the vessel’s interception and towing to the Israeli port of Ashdod.

Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer provided details of the operation during a press briefing, stating that the Israeli Navy took control of the vessel overnight without incident or casualties, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“During the night Israel took control of the ‘selfie yacht’ (Madleen), everything went smoothly, without casualties. They were towed to the Israeli port of Ashdod. We made sure they had enough food and drink. And, of course, they will be returned home to their countries as soon as possible,” Mencer said.

Israel has intercepted a Gaza-bound aid vessel carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg and other prominent activists, detaining those onboard and transferring them to Israeli territory.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) accused the Israeli military of having “attacked” and “unlawfully boarded” the Madleen, which was attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The enclave, home to 2.1 million people, has endured over 600 days of conflict alongside an 11-week Israeli blockade that has exacerbated a severe hunger crisis.

Among the passengers on the Madleen are Thunberg and Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament.

“(The vessel) is safely making its way to the shores of Israel. The passengers are expected to return to their home countries,” Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated in a post on X.

The ministry also shared a video showing crew members sitting side by side, clad in orange life jackets, as an Israeli soldier offers them bottled water and plastic-wrapped sandwiches. Thunberg is visible seated near the front of the group.

Earlier, the FFC claimed the ship had come “under assault in international waters,” according to a Telegram post.

“Quadcopters are surrounding the ship, spraying it with a white paint-like substance. Communications are jammed, and disturbing sounds are being played over the radio,” the FFC reported.

By Vafa Guliyeva