Freedom Flotilla organizers report Israeli forces boarded the Madleen, cutting communications and detaining its crew.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition reported on Monday morning that the Israeli military intercepted and boarded its Gaza-bound vessel, the Madleen, resulting in a complete loss of contact with the ship. According to Israeli Army Radio, naval commandos took control of the vessel.
The coalition accused Israeli forces of abducting all volunteers aboard. Israeli military sources confirmed the ship is being escorted to the port of Ashdod, where the activists will be interrogated at a naval base. The identities of those on board are reportedly being verified in preparation for further action.
The Israeli military has released footage showing the arrest of all foreign activists aboard the ship.
Interception and Unknown Substances
Earlier, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition announced that sirens had sounded on the Madleen as Israeli gunboats encircled the vessel and a drone flew overhead. The coalition reported that the drone released an unidentified white substance onto the ship.
European Parliament member Rima Hassan shared photos of the ship’s sirens and posted, “They are here,” in reference to the Israeli forces’ approach.
UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Francesca Albanese, stated on X that Israeli speedboats had reached the Madleen.
She said the ship’s crew informed the Israeli forces that they were carrying humanitarian aid and intended to sail peacefully. Albanese stressed that the ship posed no security threat and that Israel had no legal authority to stop it in international waters.
Israeli Foreign Ministry: Madleen Ship Activists Transferred to Ben Gurion Airport for Deportation
ISRAELI MEDIA: The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated:
“The activists who were on board the Madleen ship have been transferred to Ben Gurion Airport in preparation for their deportation to their countries.
“Anyone who refuses to sign an undertaking to comply with the deportation conditions will be brought before a judge to approve their deportation.”
"إذا كنتم تشاهدون هذا الفيديو فقد تم اختطافنا من قبل الجيش الإسرائيلي أو القوات المتواطئة".. 12 رسالة وجهها ناشطو سفينة "مادلين" التي اعترضها واختطفها الاحتلال في المياه الدولية أثناء محاولتها كسر الحصار عن قطاع #غزة#حرب_غزة pic.twitter.com/QccYBV7jCl
— قناة الجزيرة (@AJArabic) June 9, 2025
Protests Erupt in France Demanding Release of Madleen Ship Activists
SOCIAL MEDIA: Several French cities are witnessing protests and demonstrations today, Monday, condemning the detention of activists by Israeli occupation forces who were aboard the Madleen solidarity boat, which was en route to break the siege on the Gaza Strip.
Protesters focused their demands and slogans on the immediate release of the detained activists, holding French and European authorities responsible for the incident, and calling on all governments to act urgently to ensure the safety and return of their citizens to their home countries.
Freedom Flotilla Member Reveals Details About "Madleen" Abduction
AL-JAZEERA:
Huwaida Arraf, a member of the Freedom Flotilla coalition, stated to Al Jazeera that activists from the “Madleen” ship arrived at Ashdod port an hour ago after their abduction.
She emphasized that the “Madleen” ship was sailing in international waters where Israel has no authority. Arraf asserted that Israel illegally seized the “Madleen” ship and abducted its crew.
She added that Israel’s act of cutting off communication with the “Madleen” ship’s crew is unjustified.
She called on world governments to demand accountability from Israel and affirmed that they will not stop sending ships to break the siege on Gaza.
Convoy Departs Tunisia for Gaza with 1,500 Activists
AL-JAZEERA: The Sumoud Humanitarian Convoy is set to depart today from Tunisia, heading toward the Rafah crossing in a bid to break the siege on Gaza. The land convoy includes over 1,500 activists, with participants from Algeria, Libya, Morocco, and Mauritania joining the effort.
‘Violation of International Law’ – Israel’s Seizure of ‘Madleen’ Condemned
PALESTINE CHRONICLE: A campaign group to break Israel’s siege on the Gaza Strip vowed on Monday to continue efforts to deliver urgently needed humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave, shortly after Tel Aviv intercepted a ship carrying aid bound for the territory.
‘Violation of International Law’ – Israel’s Seizure of ‘Madleen’ Condemned
Israel: "Madleen" Ship Arrived at Ashdod Port
ISRAELI MEDIA: The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the “Madleen” ship has arrived at Ashdod port, and its passengers are currently undergoing medical examinations.
European Parliament Spokesperson Warns Israel
AL-JAZEERA: The European Parliament spokesperson stated: “The protection of Members of Parliament anywhere in the world will remain our top priority. We have contacted Israel to ensure the safety of MP Rima Hassan, who was on board the ‘Madleen’ boat. We reaffirm our commitment to the safety of all Members of Parliament and their respectful treatment wherever they may be.”
Mélenchon: Netanyahu Is Not Big Enough to Scare Us
AL-JAZEERA: Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of La France Insoumise, saluted the courage of the activists on Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of La France Insoumise, stated that the siege on Gaza must be lifted. He asserted that what is happening in Gaza is genocide and a siege, and that Netanyahu is not big enough to scare us. He emphasized that the genocide in Gaza cannot be tolerated, and France must now recognize the Palestinian state.
Mélenchon: We Fear What Will Happen to Activists on "Madleen"
AL-JAZEERA: Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of La France Insoumise, saluted the courage of the activists on board the “Madleen” boat, as they succeeded in exposing Netanyahu’s criminal policy. He expressed fear for what will happen to the activists who were on board the “Madleen” boat. He reiterated that Israel committed an act of piracy in international waters and arrested a European MP who enjoys immunity.
Britain Calls on Israel to Deal with "Madleen" in Accordance with International Humanitarian Law
BRITISH PM’S OFFICE: The British Prime Minister’s Office stated: “We want Israel to resolve the issue of the ‘Madleen’ ship’s detention in line with international humanitarian law. Our position on the humanitarian situation in Gaza is clear: it is dire and intolerable.”
Irish Foreign Minister: "Madleen" Ship Symbolizes Urgent Need to End Gaza Siege
IRISH FM: The Irish Foreign Minister stated that the “Madleen” ship is a powerful symbol of the urgent need to end the siege imposed on aid destined for the Gaza Strip. The Israeli army abducted the ship, which was carrying humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip with 12 international activists on board, early this morning and took it to the Israeli port of Ashdod, amidst widespread international condemnation and denunciation.
Freedom Flotilla Coalition Member: Interception of "Madleen" Ship is Illegal
AL-JAZEERA: Cova Paterli, a member of the Freedom Flotilla coalition, told Al Jazeera: “We do not have the ability to communicate directly with the ‘Madleen’ ship’s crew. It is unclear whether the activists on board the ‘Madleen’ were transferred to another boat. The interception of the ‘Madleen’ ship is illegal. The ‘Madleen’ ship’s journey has ended, but we will continue our movement to break the siege on Gaza.”
Protests in Denmark against Israel's Genocide and Seizure of Madleen
QNN: Protesters in Denmark’s capital rally against Israel’s genocide in Gaza and the recent seizure of the Madleen aid ship en route to the besieged Strip.
📍Copenhagen: Protesters take to the streets to denounce Israel’s genocide in Gaza and the abduction of the humanitarian ship Madleen by Israeli forces. #Gaza #FreedomFlotilla #Madleen pic.twitter.com/oVqQDIXFbb
— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) June 9, 2025
Activist's Brother Calls on Germany to Secure Her Release
INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE TO BREAK THE SIEGE: J. Acar, brother of Yasemin Acar—abducted by Israeli forces from the Madleen—calls on the German government to secure her release.
He condemns all governments for failing to break the siege on Gaza, forcing ordinary people like Yasemin to take action and face the risks themselves.
J. Acar, brother of Yasemin Acar—abducted by Israeli forces from the Madleen—calls on the German government to secure her release.
He condemns all governments for failing to break the siege on Gaza, forcing ordinary people like Yasemin to take action and face the risks… pic.twitter.com/V0AVhXyD3B
— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) June 9, 2025
Adalah Calls on Israel to Reveal Activists' Whereabouts
The Israeli human rights organization Adalah has indeed called on the Tel Aviv authorities to immediately reveal the whereabouts of the activists who were on board the “Madleen” and were forcibly detained.
Adalah stated that Israeli forces detained the flotilla in international waters, where Israel has no legal jurisdiction or authority, thus violating international humanitarian law. The organization has announced that it will pursue legal actions to secure the activists’ safety and release.
Madrid Condemns Abduction of "Madleen" and Demands European Response
SPANISH DEPUTY PM: The Spanish Labor Minister and Deputy Prime Minister strongly condemned the abduction of the “Madleen” ship, which was carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza. This violation of international law demands a firm response from the European Union. Solidarity was expressed with the detained volunteers, and their immediate release was demanded.
🔴 ÚLTIMA HORA | España convoca al representante de Israel en el país para protestar por la captura de la Flotilla de la Libertad https://t.co/OQZ3l2vII4 pic.twitter.com/Lw4RHeqcVF
— EL PAÍS (@el_pais) June 9, 2025
France Demands Israel Provide Protection for Its Detained Citizens After "Madleen" Abduction
FRENCH FM: French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that consular teams are present to provide protection for the volunteers on the “Madleen” ship. He demanded that Israeli authorities secure consular protection for French citizens on the “Madleen” ship. The nature of the “Madleen” ship’s detention incident will be determined after confirming the location where it occurred.
The Freedom Flotilla was bringing vital aid to Gaza when it was intercepted by Israeli occupation forces.
Cameras later showed IOF handing out food and water to the 12 volunteers — but earlier footage revealed them cutting communications, flying drones overhead, and spraying the… pic.twitter.com/oRpbIaBVA5
— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) June 9, 2025
Islamic Jihad Condemns "Madleen" Abduction and Declares Solidarity with Detainees
ISLAMIC JIHAD MOVEMENT: The Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine stated that the occupation forces’ storming of the “Madleen” ship is a blatant violation of international law. The storming of the ship falls under international abduction and adds the crime of maritime piracy to the crime of genocide. Full solidarity was affirmed with the abducted individuals who responded to their humanity and consciences and took the risk.
International Committee to Break Gaza Siege: Israel is a State of War Criminals
INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE TO BREAK THE SIEGE: The International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza today, Monday, described Israel as a “state of war criminals”, in light of its abduction of the aid ship “Madleen” as it approached the shores of the besieged Palestinian Strip. The committee called on activists worldwide, in a post on Platform X, to continue supporting the solidarity activists detained by Israel on board the ship.
Madrid Summons Israeli Representative to Protest "Madleen" Ship Interception
AL-JAZEERA: A source in the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Al Jazeera today, Monday, that Madrid summoned Israel’s chargé d’affaires to protest what happened to the “Madleen” ship, which was en route to the Gaza Strip on a humanitarian mission.
Amnesty International: "Madleen" Was on Humanitarian Mission, Interception Violates Intl. Law
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL: Amnesty International stated that the “Madleen” ship was carrying humanitarian aid to break the illegal siege on the occupied Gaza Strip. The “Madleen” ship was carrying unarmed civilians on a humanitarian mission, and its interception violates international law. As an occupying power, Israel has a legal obligation to ensure that civilians in Gaza have access to food and medicine.
Israel Prepares Separate Cells for "Madleen" Detainees, Ben-Gvir Tightens Restrictions
ISRAELI MEDIA: Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the Israeli Prisons Service is preparing to receive the “Madleen” ship detainees, with separate cells allocated for them in Givon Prison in Ramla city. For his part, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir issued instructions to prevent the entry of communication devices, radios, and televisions into prisons, in addition to prohibiting any Palestinian symbols inside them.
Israel Detains Madleen Activists in Ashdod, Forces Them to Watch Oct 7 Video
Hamas: We Condemn the Occupation's Piracy of "Madleen" Ship
HAMAS STATEMENT: Hamas strongly condemned the act of piracy committed by the occupation forces in intercepting the solidarity ship “Madleen” in international waters.
Intercepting “Madleen” at sea and preventing it from delivering symbolic aid to the Palestinian people, who are facing a war of extermination, is described as organized state terrorism. Hamas saluted the free solidarity activists of various nationalities who steadfastly faced threats and affirmed that Gaza is not alone.
“Madleen” and the coming land convoys of resilience from Algeria, Tunisia, Jordan, and elsewhere are considered living proof of the failure of Zionist propaganda.
Hamas demanded the immediate release of the solidarity activists and held the occupation fully responsible for their safety. It called on the United Nations and international organizations to condemn this crime and take urgent action to break the siege on the Palestinian people.
Tensions Between Army and Officials Regarding "Madleen" Ship
ISRAELI MEDIA: Yedioth Ahronoth reported that tensions have arisen between the Israeli army and senior government officials regarding the “Madleen” ship, which was en route to break the siege on the Gaza Strip.
UN Rapporteur Calls on Britain to Act for Release of "Madleen" Ship
SOCIAL MEDIA: Francesca Albanese, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, called on the British government to take urgent action to ensure the release of the “Madleen” ship and its crew, after it was seized by Israeli occupation forces in international waters.
As the Madleen was reportedly intercepted and seized by Israeli forces in int'l waters, the UK gov must urgently seek full clarification and secure the immediate release of the vessel & its crew.
The Madleen must be allowed to continue its lawful humanitarian mission to Gaza. https://t.co/7ZNIQWS6Tw
— Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur oPt (@FranceskAlbs) June 9, 2025
Katz Thanks Army for Preventing Breaking of the Gaza Blockade
ISRAELI MEDIA: Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz thanked the Israeli army after it seized the ship “Madleen,” which was en route to break the blockade on the Gaza Strip.
Katz stated, “I commend the army for its swift takeover of the ship and preventing it from breaking the blockade and reaching the shores of Gaza.”
Freedom Flotilla Coalition: Israel Abducts Madleen Ship
LATEST UPDATES: The Freedom Flotilla Coalition announced that the Israeli army boarded its ship Madleen, which was headed to Gaza, and contact was lost. Israeli army radio reported that Israeli naval commandos took control of the ship.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition accused Israeli forces of abducting volunteers aboard the Madleen ship.
Israeli occupation army radio quoted a military source stating that the Madleen ship is currently being taken to Ashdod port after it was seized. The source added that the identities of the individuals on board are being verified for interrogation, which will take place at a naval base in Ashdod port.
Earlier, the Coalition announced that sirens sounded on board the Madleen ship, and that Israeli warships approached and surrounded it, coinciding with an Israeli drone flying overhead and spraying an unknown white liquid onto the ship.
Member of the European Parliament, Rima Hassan, broadcast images of the sirens sounding on the Madleen ship and said, “They are here,” referring to the Israeli occupation forces’ interception of the ship.
For her part, the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Palestine, Francesca Albanese, announced that Israeli fast boats reached the Madleen ship. Albanese added on platform X that the ship’s crew informed Israeli soldiers they were carrying humanitarian aid and would depart peacefully.
Albanese clarified that the Madleen ship poses no threat to Israel’s security, and Tel Aviv has no authority to stop it in international waters.
Earlier, Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz threatened the Madleen ship, stating he ordered the army not to allow it to reach Gaza, and that Israel would activate every means against any attempt to break the blockade on the Strip.
The Israeli Broadcasting Authority quoted a senior security source yesterday, Sunday, saying that the army intends to take control of the Madleen ship, which is currently approaching the coast of Gaza, tow it to a port in Ashdod, arrest the activists, and then deport them outside Israel the same night.
SOS! The volunteers on 'Madleen' have been kidnapped by Israeli forces. pic.twitter.com/6IMey7glOy
— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) June 9, 2025
Image Documents Occupation's Seizure of the Ship Madleen
ISRAELI ARMY: The Israeli occupation army published an image documenting the moment it seized control of the Freedom Flotilla ship Madleen en route to the Gaza Strip and arrested the activists on board, after intercepting and surrounding the ship in international waters.
Internation condemnation of the state of Israel now dsperately needed. How muchc longer will the world’s states sit back and watch this rogue state murder and maim Palestinians and anyone who attempts to support/aid them?? As a British citizen I am sickened and deeply ashamed of my so called government, that still dances to Netanyahu’s tune while punishing the poorest and most vulnerable in my own country by taking away our financial support in order to to arm Israel. Not In My Name. Free the Madleen and her crew and occupants without further harm and bring the State of Israel to answer for its war crimes. We must help the Palestinian people!