The Israeli occupation Navy has confirmed that the Madleen, a ship carrying desperately needed humanitarian aid headed to Gaza, is being towed to "Israel's" Isdod port, after troops boarded the vessel.

The Madleen ship, launched by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was about 100 nautical miles (185km) from Gaza when it was captured.

Israeli drones encircled the shio at about 3:00 am local time. The drones began spraying it with a white, paint-like substance before the Israeli commandos eventually took hold of the ship. The nature of the sprayed substance remains unclear.

"Israel’s" Foreign Ministry stated that the boat is en route to Israeli-occupied shores, with passengers expected to return to their home countries.

There were no reports of injuries among the 12 pro-Palestinian activists on board, who had been sailing to Gaza to raise awareness and deliver aid. However, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organized the trip, has lost contact with the vessel. They shared pre-recorded videos from those aboard, asking for assistance from their home countries.

The Madleen departed Sicily on June 1, one month after Israeli drones bombed another aid ship headed for Gaza. Climate activist Greta Thunberg is among the 12 activists now being illegally held by "Israel".

SOS! the volunteers on 'Madleen' have been kidnapped by Israeli forces.
Greta Thunberg is a Swedish citizen.
Pressure their foreign ministries and help us keep them safe!

Web: https://t.co/uCGmx8sn8j
X : @SweMFA
FB : @SweMFA
IG : swedishmfa#AllEyesOnMadeleen pic.twitter.com/76Myrg2Bnz

— Freedom Flotilla Coalition (@GazaFFlotilla) June 9, 2025

The Israeli ministry published a video showing detained activists being escorted, along with an X post saying, "The show is over." 

Earlier, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition reported on Telegram that Israeli occupation forces (IOF) have boarded the activist ship Madleen.

The group mentioned that they lost connection with the vessel, and a photo shared by the coalition shows passengers aboard the ship with their hands raised and wearing lifejackets. 

SOS messages to follow#alleyesonMadleen pic.twitter.com/O02sv5c1jW

— Freedom Flotilla Coalition (@GazaFFlotilla) June 9, 2025

Crew attacked with unidentified substance

Yusuf Ajiyseh, deputy head of the International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza, said the Israeli military attacked the crew with unidentified chemical substances.

"We do not know the nature of the chemical materials used against the Madleen crew," Ajiyseh told Al Mayadeen, vowing that the international coalition would not be deterred: “We will not stop sending ships to break the siege on Gaza.”

Zaher Birawi, head of the International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza, issued an urgent appeal to the “free world” to pressure the Israeli occupation to ensure the safety of the activists aboard the ship and to put an end to the aggression.

Israeli media confirmed that the navy had taken control of the ship and was towing it to Isdod port, where the activists would be processed for deportation. 

'Gaza is not alone'

Hamas called the action “organized state terrorism,” and “a flagrant violation of international law and an attack on civilian volunteers.” The group lauded the activists from various nationalities who “stood firm in the face of threats” and reiterated that “Gaza is not alone.” Hamas held the Israeli regime fully responsible for the activists’ safety and urged the United Nations and international bodies to condemn the act.

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad also condemned the interception, stating that the activists had “exposed the silence and cowardice” of governments and international institutions. “Those abducted and forcibly disappeared answered the call of conscience and humanity, daring to confront one of the world’s most criminal armies,” the group said, adding that the act constituted “international kidnapping and a clear breach of international law.”

The Madleen is part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, a global network of activists and organizations working to challenge the maritime blockade imposed on Gaza. Despite repeated Israeli interventions, the coalition continues to organize missions aimed at delivering humanitarian aid and highlighting the humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory.

'Israel' makes flagrant threats

On Sunday, Israeli Minister of Security Israel Katz announced that he had instructed the military to immediately prevent the Madleen from reaching Gaza. In a statement that carried a tone of provocation, Katz declared that the ship “must return to where it came from,” and that the Israeli occupation forces “will not allow the vessel to reach Gaza’s shores,” threatening to use “all necessary means” to stop it.

The Israeli provocations drew sharp criticism from various states, with Iran, Turkiye, and France denouncing the move as a violation of international law and an attack on civilian activists.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry described the interception as an “act of piracy.” Speaking in Tehran on Monday, ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated: “The assault on this flotilla, since it happened in international waters, is considered a form of piracy under international law.”

Turkiye condemns 

Turkiye also condemned the act, labeling the Israeli occupation “a terrorist state” following the navy’s interception of the ship, which was carrying aid to the besieged Gaza Strip. Turkish officials condemned the operation as a “clear violation of international law,” warning that Israel's actions threaten maritime security and freedom of navigation.

In a strongly worded statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said: “This heinous attack by Netanyahu’s government, which also threatens the freedom of navigation and maritime safety, once again proves that Israel is a terrorist state.”

Turkish diplomatic sources told Middle East Eye that Ankara’s embassy in Tel Aviv had taken immediate steps to secure the release of two Turkish nationals who were aboard the vessel. The ship was intercepted early Monday morning and prevented from reaching Gaza.

The two Turkish citizens aboard were identified as Yasemin Akar, who holds both Turkish and German citizenship, and Suayb Ordy.

France calls for 'swift' release of volunteers

The French presidency announced that President Emmanuel Macron had called for the “immediate release” of six French citizens who were detained by the Israeli occupation while participating in the flotilla.

A statement from the Elysee Palace, cited by French broadcaster BFM TV, said: “The President of the Republic has demanded the swift return of six of our citizens whose ship was intercepted by Israeli authorities off the coast of Gaza.”

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot added that Paris had requested consular protection and access to the detained citizens to ensure their safe and expedited return to France. Among those detained is European Parliament member Rima Hassan.