Israeli Forces Hijack Freedom Flotilla Ship "Madleen", Abduct Volunteers
In an international act of piracy, Israeli naval commandos intercept and seize the Madleen, a humanitarian vessel attempting to break the Gaza blockade after 20 months of genocide
Palestine, PUREWILAYAH.COM - In the early hours of Monday morning, Israeli occupation forces carried out an act of piracy by intercepting and seizing control of the Madleen—a humanitarian vessel heading to Gaza as part of the Freedom Flotilla campaign to break the siege and express global solidarity after over 20 months of genocidal war.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition confirmed that Israeli forces boarded the vessel, which had lost communication shortly before the interception.
Meanwhile, Israeli Army Radio reported that naval commandos had successfully taken control of the ship.
Volunteers, Including Al Jazeera Journalist, Abducted by Israel
According to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, Israeli forces have kidnapped all volunteers onboard the Madleen, including Omar Fayadh, a correspondent for Al Jazeera Mubasher.
Israeli Army Radio cited a military source stating that the ship is being towed to the Israeli port of Ashdod following the operation.
The Israeli military has released photos showing the moment of arrest of all international activists aboard the Madleen.
Moments Before the Raid: Sirens, Drones, and Chemical Spray
Earlier, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition had reported that warning sirens had sounded aboard the Madleen as Israeli warships approached and surrounded the vessel, while Israeli drones hovered overhead and sprayed the ship with an unidentified white liquid.
European Parliament Member Rima Hassan posted video footage of the alarm going off onboard, captioning it with: “They are here,” referring to the imminent Israeli interception.
UN Official Condemns Israeli Aggression in International Waters
Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Palestine, confirmed that fast Israeli naval boats had reached the Madleen.
She stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the crew had informed Israeli soldiers they were carrying humanitarian aid and intended to leave peacefully.
Albanese emphasized that the Madleen posed no threat to Israel’s security and that Tel Aviv had no legal authority to stop the vessel in international waters.
Israeli Minister Ordered Interception of Madleen
Earlier, Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant had issued a direct threat against the Madleen, instructing the military to ensure it did not reach Gaza.
He vowed that Israel would use "all available means" to prevent any attempt to break the blockade.
According to Israel’s public broadcaster, a senior security official confirmed on Sunday that the army intended to "peacefully" take control of the Madleen, tow it to the port of Ashdod, arrest the activists, and deport them that same night.
The Mission of the Madleen: Breaking the Siege with Humanity
The Madleen departed from the port of Catania, Italy, earlier in June 2025. Its mission: to break the Israeli-imposed blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid including food, medicine, and medical equipment.
The vessel carried 12 international activists of various nationalities, including Al Jazeera’s Omar Fayadh.
This ship marks the 36th mission of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, an international campaign aimed at challenging Israel’s siege on Gaza that has been in place since 2007.
The Madleen was named in honor of Madleen Kulab, the first Palestinian woman to become a professional fisherwoman in Gaza. She lost her father and her only source of livelihood following the Israeli war on Gaza in October 2023. (PW)
Source: Palinfo