Pro-Palestine activists abducted after attempting to breach the Israeli naval blockade on Gaza have been transferred to Ben Gurion Airport for deportation, the Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed on Tuesday. The activists, including prominent humanitarian voices, were part of a maritime effort to break the siege on the Palestinian enclave.

The Israeli occupation raided the flotilla vessel in international waters before towing it to Isdud. The activists were abducted for several hours before being transported to Ben Gurion, where, according to the Foreign Ministry, deportation proceedings are set to begin within hours.

Those who refuse to sign deportation documents, the ministry said, would be brought before a “judicial authority” in accordance with Israeli law to finalize their removal. Legal proceedings were already underway as of Tuesday afternoon.

Furthermore, the Foreign Ministry claimed that diplomatic envoys from the activists’ countries of origin were on hand at Ben Gurion Airport.

Gaza Flotilla activists held at Isdud port

Twelve international volunteers from the Gaza Freedom Flotilla vessel Madleen are currently in the custody of Israeli authorities at Isdud Port, according to a statement released by the flotilla organizers.

The group is reportedly being processed for transfer to the Ramleh detention facility. However, organizers say the activists may be allowed to depart via Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport as early as tonight if they consent to immediate deportation.

BREAKING: Press statement by Gaza Freedom Flotilla:

"We have just received confirmation that all 12 volunteers from the ‘Madleen’ are currently at Ashdod Port. They are being processed and transferred into the custody of Israeli authorities. They are expected to be moved to the… pic.twitter.com/psXuv2iISW

— Freedom Flotilla Coalition (@GazaFFlotilla) June 10, 2025

“We have just received confirmation that all 12 volunteers from the ‘Madleen’ are currently at Ashdod Port,” the statement read. “They are being processed and transferred into the custody of Israeli authorities. They are expected to be moved to the Ramleh detention facility unless they agree to leave immediately.”

The Gaza Freedom Flotilla Coalition continues to call for the “immediate release of all volunteers and the return of the stolen aid,” denouncing the detentions as “unlawful and a violation of international law.”

It is worth noting that Israeli officials have not commented directly on the legal status of the aid or the specific charges faced by those arbitrarily detained.

'Israel' hijacks Madleen humanitarian ship, abducts activists

The Israeli occupation Navy confirmed on Monday that the Madleen, a ship carrying desperately needed humanitarian aid headed to Gaza, is being towed to "Israel's" Isdud 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.

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Israeli drones encircled the ship 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-Palestine 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

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".

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 seizure, 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, Turkey, and France denouncing the move as a violation of international law and an attack on civilian activists.

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

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-Noel 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.