Flotilla coalition says IOF have boarded Madleen vessel
3 Min Read
Tensions rise as Israeli forces board the Gaza-bound aid ship Madleen, carrying activists like Greta Thunberg. Communications cut, SOS signals sent, global calls mount to protect the Freedom Flotilla.
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Footage from the Madleen vessel on June 9, 2025 after Israeli occupation forces boarded the vessel. (Social media)
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition reported on Telegram that Israeli occupation forces (IOF) have boarded the activist ship Madleen, which was en route to Gaza.
SOS messages to follow#alleyesonMadleen pic.twitter.com/O02sv5c1jW
— Freedom Flotilla Coalition (@GazaFFlotilla) June 9, 2025
The group mentioned that they lost connection with the vessel. A photo shared by the coalition shows passengers aboard the ship with their hands raised and wearing lifejackets.
Connection has now been lost with the Freedom Flotilla. The Israeli occupation army have now boarded the Madleen. pic.twitter.com/E2OrJGcoOM
— Eye on Palestine (@EyeonPalestine) June 9, 2025
SOS! the volunteers on 'Madleen' have been kidnapped by Israeli forces.
— Freedom Flotilla Coalition (@GazaFFlotilla) June 9, 2025
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/ijzeqeLmpa
One video shows an activist with hands raised and bright lights in the background.
🚨URGENT | The Israeli army has boarded the Freedom Flotilla Madleen, taken control, and cut off communications!!! pic.twitter.com/GphcXGN8C5
— Martyrs of Gaza (@GazaMartyrs) June 9, 2025
A video shows the Israeli Navy instructing the Madleen activist boat, approaching Gaza, to change course over a loudspeaker. The soldier explains that the area near Gaza’s coast is closed to naval traffic due to a legal blockade and suggests that humanitarian aid can be delivered via Ashdod.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated that the navy ordered the boat to alter its course as it was nearing a restricted zone.
The Israeli Navy is currently communicating with the “selfie yacht”. Using an international civilian communication system, the Israeli Navy has instructed the “selfie yacht” to change its course due to its approach toward a restricted area. pic.twitter.com/KnSqWrsXU2
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) June 8, 2025
Activists aboard the ship shared a video of themselves taking cover as a drone hovers overhead.
“We are right here surrounded by Israeli drones. Please sound the alarm,” an activist says in the video. “Please take cover everyone. Assume positions.”
Je suis journaliste et après avoir couvert pendant une semaine le convoi de la Feeedom Flotilla mon arrestation par l'armée israélienne est imminente. Des humanitaires et des journalistes n'ont pas être arrêté J'appelle tous mes confrères à se mobiliser. @blast_france pic.twitter.com/T1hiNZXLQf
— Yanis Mhamdi (@yanmdi) June 8, 2025
'Israel' orders military to stop Gaza flotilla Madleen 'by any means'
Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz on Sunday ordered the military to intercept the Madleen, a civilian aid vessel headed toward the Gaza Strip, escalating tensions as international activists attempt to break the Israeli siege and deliver urgently needed humanitarian supplies.
The Madleen, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, departed from Sicily and is currently sailing off the Egyptian coast. It is expected to enter Palestinian territorial waters within the next 24 hours. Onboard are a dozen international activists, including climate justice advocate Greta Thunberg and French Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan, transporting critical humanitarian cargo: baby formula, flour, medical kits, water filters, feminine hygiene products, and prosthetics for children injured during Israeli assaults.
Katz publicly threatened the vessel's mission, declaring: "I have instructed the IDF to act so that the Madleen does not reach Gaza. To the antisemitic Greta and her friends, I say clearly: You should turn back, because you will not reach Gaza."
The Israeli military has reportedly mobilized its naval forces, including the Shayetet 13 commando unit and missile boat divisions, to prepare for a potential interception and arrest of those onboard. Though the vessel remains in international waters, Israeli media have reported that the presence of a European diplomat has thus far delayed direct military action.
