'Israel' confirms overtaking Madleen, activists detained

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
Today 04:47
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The Israeli occupation navy seized the activist boat Madleen en route to Gaza, towing it to the occupied Asdod port.

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Activists aboard the Madleen ship after the vessel reached Gaza on June 8, 2025. (Social media)

The Israeli occupation Navy has confirmed that the Madleen, an activist boat headed for Gaza, is being towed to "Israel's" Asdod port, after troops boarded the vessel.

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

“The ‘selfie yacht’ of the ‘celebrities’ is safely making its way to the shores of Israel. The passengers are expected to return to their home countries,” the ministry said.

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.

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

"Israel's" Foreign Ministry criticized the mission, suggesting that activists like Swedish climate advocate Greta Thunberg were attempting to provoke media attention for publicity.

The 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.