JERUSALEM — In a dramatic turn of events, Israeli forces intercepted a humanitarian aid ship bound for Gaza early Monday, detaining prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg and several other activists on board. The operation is part of Israel's ongoing enforcement of a blockade on the Palestinian territory, which has intensified amid the current conflict with Hamas.

The activists were part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organized the voyage to protest Israel's military actions in Gaza and its restrictions on humanitarian aid. The coalition claims that the activists were “kidnapped by Israeli forces” while attempting to deliver essential supplies to the region, where approximately 2 million Palestinians face severe food shortages.

According to a statement from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, “The ship was unlawfully boarded, its unarmed civilian crew abducted, and its life-saving cargo — including baby formula, food, and medical supplies — confiscated.” The ship was reportedly seized in international waters, approximately 120 miles from Gaza.

Israel's Foreign Ministry dismissed the mission as a publicity stunt, referring to the vessel as the “selfie yacht” of “celebrities.” In a post on X, the ministry stated that the activists would be returned to their home countries and that the aid would be sent to Gaza through established channels. Footage circulated by the ministry showed Israeli military personnel providing food and water to the detained activists, who were seen wearing orange life vests.

Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, an Israeli military spokesperson, confirmed that the ship was en route to Israel and expected to dock at the port of Ashdod later in the day. Thunberg, who was among 12 activists aboard the ship named Madleen, had embarked on the journey from Sicily a week prior. During the voyage, the crew had also rescued four migrants who had jumped overboard to evade the Libyan coast guard.

In a pre-recorded message released after the ship was halted, Thunberg urged her supporters to pressure the Swedish government for their release. “I urge all my friends, family, and comrades to put pressure on the Swedish government to release me and the others as soon as possible,” she stated.

Among the activists was Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament of Palestinian descent, who has been barred from entering Israel due to her opposition to Israeli policies. French President Emmanuel Macron has requested that Israel allow the detained activists to return to France promptly.

Adalah, an Israeli rights group representing the activists, argued that Israel had “no legal authority” to seize the ship since it was in international waters and not headed to Israel but to the “territorial waters of the state of Palestine.” The group condemned the arrests as a serious violation of international law.

The incident comes amid a backdrop of heightened tensions in Gaza, where a blockade has been in place since Hamas took control in 2007. Israel has faced criticism for its military campaign, which has resulted in significant casualties and destruction in Gaza. Reports indicate that over 54,000 Palestinians have died since the conflict escalated, with many humanitarian workers warning of impending famine unless the blockade is lifted.

Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire have stalled, with Hamas demanding a lasting truce and an Israeli withdrawal in exchange for the release of hostages. Meanwhile, Israel maintains its stance of continuing military operations until all captives are returned and Hamas is neutralized.