Israeli forces stopped a boat carrying food to Gaza early Monday morning. The boat named Madleen had activist Greta Thunberg and 11 other crew members aboard. Military officials brought all crew members to an Israeli port after taking control of their vessel. The boat was trying to break through Israel's naval blockade around Gaza. United Nations experts warn that people face starvation there.
The crew knew they probably would not reach Gaza. Israel has blocked ships from reaching the territory since 2007. Another Freedom Flotilla boat caught fire near Malta after what organizers called an Israeli drone attack. Israeli military officials would not comment about that incident. Commandos killed nine activists when they raided supply ships heading to Gaza back during 2010.
The Madleen crew sent out their last messages before losing contact with the outside world. A photo showed all 12 people wearing life jackets with their hands raised up. Thunberg recorded a video message saying they had been kidnapped if people saw it. She asked the Swedish government to help free her and the other crew members.
Israel's foreign ministry said the crew would return to their home countries. Officials posted a picture of Thunberg being offered a sandwich. Human rights lawyer Huwaida Arraf said Israel broke international law. She argued that Israel cannot arrest people delivering aid across international waters. The boat carried food, baby formula and medical supplies for Palestinians.
The crew knew they probably would not reach Gaza. Israel has blocked ships from reaching the territory since 2007. Another Freedom Flotilla boat caught fire near Malta after what organizers called an Israeli drone attack. Israeli military officials would not comment about that incident. Commandos killed nine activists when they raided supply ships heading to Gaza back during 2010.
The Madleen crew sent out their last messages before losing contact with the outside world. A photo showed all 12 people wearing life jackets with their hands raised up. Thunberg recorded a video message saying they had been kidnapped if people saw it. She asked the Swedish government to help free her and the other crew members.
Israel's foreign ministry said the crew would return to their home countries. Officials posted a picture of Thunberg being offered a sandwich. Human rights lawyer Huwaida Arraf said Israel broke international law. She argued that Israel cannot arrest people delivering aid across international waters. The boat carried food, baby formula and medical supplies for Palestinians.
