12 activists aboard ‘Madleen’ sent back to their home countries: Israel

Israeli authorities have confirmed that the 12 international activists aboard the ‘Madleen’, a vessel intercepted near the Gaza Strip have been sent back to their respective home countries via Ben Gurion Airport.

In an official statement, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the incident as a ‘publicity stunt’, referring to the intercepted vessel as the ‘selfie yacht of the celebrities.’ The ministry asserted that the ship is now safely docked in Israel, and all passengers are safe and unharmed.

“The passengers are expected to return to their home countries,” the statement read, adding that the activists were provided with sandwiches and water upon disembarkation. “The show is over.”

The ‘Madleen,’ part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, departed from Catania, Italy, carrying humanitarian aid and 12 international activists, including climate activist Greta Thunberg. The mission aimed to break the ongoing blockade and deliver aid directly to Gaza.

However, Israeli officials criticised the effort, claiming the aid on board was symbolic at best. “The total cargo amounted to less than a single truckload. It was more of a media spectacle than a genuine humanitarian initiative,” the ministry said.

It also emphasized that over 1,200 aid trucks have entered Gaza from Israel in the past two weeks, and nearly 11 million meals have been distributed directly to civilians via the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.

“Established humanitarian channels exist for those who truly want to help Gaza,” the statement concluded. “They don’t require Instagram selfies.”