CNN
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The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) says Israeli forces boarded a Gaza-bound aid ship carrying Greta Thunberg, losing communication with the boat.
The group posted photos on the telegram early local time, showing members of the “Madreen” crew sitting in the boat, carrying their hands into the air, hanging their lives. The soldiers of the Israeli defense forces are not seen in the image.
In a previous post, the FFC said the ship was “under attacks in international waters.”
“The quadcopters surround the ship, spraying material like white paint. Communications are choked, and disturbing sounds are being played on the radio,” the FFC says on the Telegram Channel.
Israel has repeatedly vowed to stop the aid ship from reaching Gaza.
“I have instructed the IDF to prevent the ‘Madleen’ fleet from reaching Gaza,” Israel Katz, the Israeli Defense Minister, said on Sunday.
“Just a while ago, two Israeli drones were on top of FFC Madreen, dropping and spraying some kind of white chemical on Madreen. Now it appears that Madreen is surrounded by Israeli naval commanders.”
In a video streamed live from the boat and posted by the FFC, activist Yasmin Akal showed white material on the deck saying it had been dropped on the boat. Acar later heard it, saying it was affecting her eyes. Before the live stream ended, we could hear Acar as Israeli military was communicating with the board
Israel vowed on Sunday to stop aid ships that would stop Tamburg and other activists from reaching Gaza.
“Madleen” is part of the Freedom Frotira Union, an organization that opposed Israel’s blockade of Gaza and tried to break the siege with boats.
Climate activist Samberg, “Game of Thrones” actor Liam Cunningham and French member of the European Parliament, Lima Hassan are among the people of Madleen.
“We know it’s a very dangerous mission and know that previous experiences with fleets like this have led to cases of attack, violence and even death,” Samberg told CNN on Saturday.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry posted a video to X, indicating that Navy staff will issue what appears to be a radio message to the ship.
“The marine zone off the coast of Gaza is closed to maritime traffic,” said an unidentified naval official. She later heard that she needed to provide assistance through “established channels.”
In a statement, the ministry said “unauthorized attempts to violate the lockdown are dangerous, illegal and undermine ongoing humanitarian efforts.”
“We call on all parties to act responsibly and lead humanitarian assistance through legitimate and coordinated mechanisms rather than provocation,” the ministry added in a local time statement on Monday.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
