Jerusalem, Israel — The Israeli military has intercepted a Gaza-bound aid ship, detaining prominent activists onboard, including climate advocate Greta Thunberg and actor Liam Cunningham. The vessel, named “Madleen,” was taken into Israeli custody as it attempted to deliver humanitarian supplies to the besieged territory.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) confirmed that the Israeli military boarded the vessel while it was at sea, marking another flare-up in tensions surrounding the ongoing blockade of Gaza. In a statement, the Israeli Foreign Ministry announced that those captured would be returned to their countries of origin.

Among the passengers is Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament. The FFC shared an image on social media showing crew members onboard the Madleen, raising their hands in what seemed to be a sign of surrender while wearing life jackets.

Prior to the interception, the FFC accused the Israeli forces of launching a surprise attack in international waters. Alerts were raised by the crew as they reported drones hovering over the ship and a chemical substance being deployed from the air. The organization stated that communications were jammed, complicating their situation further.

Israeli authorities have consistently condemned the flotilla’s mission, referring to the boat as a “selfie yacht” and accusing its participants of attempting to garner media attention. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that he directed military forces to prevent the Madleen from reaching Gaza, aligning with the country’s longstanding policy against unauthorized maritime crossings.

In a video livestream from the ship, Yasmin Acar, an activist, expressed visible distress over a substance that had been dropped on deck, stating it was affecting her vision. The livestream was cut short as tensions escalated.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry characterized the flotilla’s efforts as provocations designed for publicity, reiterating that aid to Gaza should be funneled through established and legitimate channels. The ministry urged all actors involved to avoid actions that could jeopardize ongoing humanitarian relief efforts.

After a prolonged 11-week blockade that severely restricted humanitarian aid, Israel has recently begun allowing limited supplies to enter Gaza. However, the flow remains significantly below pre-conflict levels, with aid organizations raising alarms about the risk of famine and worsening living conditions in the region.

While activists had previously anticipated the potential for military confrontation, Thunberg had voiced her determination to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As the situation evolves, many are left questioning the effectiveness and safety of such initiatives in delivering essential aid to those in dire need.