Israeli Forces Seize Gaza Aid Ship ‘Marianne’ Carrying Greta Thunberg

Israeli forces intercepted and seized the aid ship Marianne on Monday as it attempted to reach Gaza, according to the ship’s organizers, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. Among those onboard was climate activist Greta Thunberg, along with a group of international volunteers.

The Gaza Aid Ship Marianne, which had departed from Sicily, aimed to deliver humanitarian aid and challenge Israel’s naval blockade on the Gaza Strip. In a statement on Telegram, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition said, “Contact with the Marianne has been lost. The Israeli military has boarded and seized the ship.” The group further claimed that the passengers had been “kidnapped” by Israeli forces.

AFP also reported a loss of contact with the activists onboard. Mahmoud Abu Odeh, a press officer for the coalition in Germany, told AFP: “It appears the activists have been detained.”

On Sunday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant had instructed the military to prevent the vessel from reaching Gaza. “I have instructed the military to stop the Marianne from reaching Gaza,” Gallant said in a statement. He added, “Greta, who is an anti-Semite, and her companions — who are mouthpieces for Hamas propaganda — I say to them clearly: Turn back; you will not reach Gaza.”

Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated that the navy had issued a warning to the ship as it approached a “prohibited area,” ordering it to change course. Approximately an hour later, the ministry confirmed the vessel was being escorted toward the Israeli coast.

“The passengers will be returned to their home countries,” the ministry said on social media, adding that “the small amount of aid onboard — that wasn’t used by the ‘celebrities’—will’ be delivered to Gaza through legitimate humanitarian channels.”

Ahead of the interception, campaign organizers said the ship would press on “until the very last moment.” Speaking to AFP from the vessel, European Parliament member Rima Hassan stated, “We will remain active until the very last moment — until Israel cuts off the internet and networks.” She confirmed, “There are 12 of us onboard. We are unarmed. We only have humanitarian aid.”