Following the Israeli Navy’s seizure of the pro-Palestinian vessel Madeleine, Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the IDF to screen graphic footage of the October 7 Hamas massacre for the activists on board—including climate icon Greta Thunberg.
“Greta the antisemite and her Hamas-sympathizing friends deserve to see exactly who they’ve chosen to support,” said Katz on Monday morning, referring to the terror group responsible for the brutal attack that launched the war in Gaza.
Moral Clarity and Military Resolve
Katz said the screening, which will take place upon the detainees’ arrival at the Port of Ashdod, is part of a broader campaign to expose the reality of Hamas terrorism to international audiences. “The IDF will continue its just war against the Hamas murderers until their total defeat, the return of all hostages, and the security of the State of Israel,” he said.
Elite Naval Unit Boards the Vessel Without Resistance
The move follows the overnight seizure of the yacht Madeleine by Shayetet 13, Israel’s elite naval commando unit. The ship was carrying 12 activists attempting to breach the Gaza blockade—including Thunberg—before it was intercepted by the Israeli Navy and redirected to Ashdod. Despite earlier social media claims of a dramatic confrontation involving alarms and drones dispersing white powder, footage released later showed the operation was conducted quietly and professionally.
The Israeli Navy is currently communicating with the “selfie yacht”. Using an international civilian communication system, the Israeli Navy has instructed the “selfie yacht” to change its course due to its approach toward a restricted area. pic.twitter.com/KnSqWrsXU2
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) June 8, 2025
Naval Warning and Government Dismissal
Before boarding, a female Navy officer issued a clear international broadcast: “You are entering a zone under military blockade. Humanitarian aid, if you are carrying any, must be delivered through the Port of Ashdod using official procedures.”
Soon after, activists cut their live feed. Some later released pre-recorded videos claiming that if the footage had been posted, they had been “abducted in international waters.” The Foreign Ministry released a blunt statement dismissing the mission as a media stunt, not a genuine humanitarian effort.
“This was a selfie yacht with less aid than a single delivery truck. It was never about humanitarian needs,” the statement read. All 12 activists are being processed and are expected to be deported to their countries of origin.
