The Madleen, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was intercepted by the Israeli military in international waters, adding to a history of similar attempts since the Gaza blockade began in 2007.

On Monday, the Madleen ship, launched by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), was intercepted by the Israeli military about 185 km from Gaza. Among the detained crew members are climate advocate Greta Thunberg, Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan, Al Jazeera journalist Omar Faiad, and other activists.

Reports indicate that the Madleen and its crew are being taken to the port city of Ashdod, where the activists will be held in solitary confinement by the National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

The ship, carrying humanitarian aid for Palestinians, left Sicily on June 1. The Gaza blockade, in place since 2007, was partially eased last month following international pressure.

Flotillas challenging the Gaza blockade

Various Freedom Flotilla vessels have attempted to break the Gaza blockade over the years.

• In 2008, two boats from the Free Gaza Movement reached Gaza, marking the first breach of Israel's naval blockade. The movement launched 31 boats between 2008 and 2016, with five reaching Gaza despite Israeli restrictions.
• Since 2010, all flotillas challenging the blockade have been intercepted or attacked by Israel in international waters.

The map below shows where significant flotillas were stopped, with some facing deadly Israeli forces.

2010 – Gaza Freedom Flotilla

In 2010, Israeli commandos raided the Mavi Marmara in international waters, resulting in the deaths of 10 activists. The incident led to global outrage and strained Israel-Turkey relations.

2011 – Freedom Flotilla II

Launched in 2011, Freedom Flotilla II aimed to break the blockade on Gaza. Only one vessel, the Dignite-Al Karama, came close to reaching Gaza before being intercepted by Israeli forces.

2015 – Freedom Flotilla III

Freedom Flotilla III, launched in 2015, was intercepted by Israeli naval forces, with the activists on board detained and later deported.

2018 – Just Future for Palestine

The 2018 Gaza Freedom Flotilla saw two vessels intercepted by the Israeli navy, leading to the arrest of all on board.

2025 – Break the Siege 'Conscience'

In 2025, the Conscience was attacked by drones off the coast of Malta, causing injuries to some activists on board.

According to reports, one in five Palestinians in Gaza is facing starvation due to Israel's blockade, with 93 percent of the population experiencing acute food shortages.

Israel's continued blockade could lead to further displacement and depletion of essential items, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Gaza, with a population of about 2.3 million, has been under Israeli control since 2007, facing restrictions on movement, goods, and people in and out of the region.

Despite aid efforts, Gaza remains a place of suffering and destruction, often referred to as 'the world's largest open-air prison'.