In a swift overnight operation, Shayetet 13, the Israeli Navy\u2019s elite commando unit, seized control of the vessel \u201cMadeleine\u201d\u2014a yacht carrying 12 pro-Palestinian activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg\u2014as it attempted to breach Israel\u2019s naval blockade on Gaza.<\/p>\n
The ship was intercepted in international waters and boarded without resistance or casualties, according to the IDF. All activists aboard surrendered peacefully.<\/p>\n
Preceded by Tensions and Warnings<\/strong> The \u201cselfie yacht\u201d of the \u201ccelebrities\u201d is safely making its way to the shores of Israel. The passengers are expected to return to their home countries.<\/p>\n While Greta and others attempted to stage a media provocation whose sole purpose was to gain publicity \u2014 and which included\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/eEZSJJHVfd<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) June 9, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nRoughly two hours before the operation, activists on board reported spotting Israeli Navy vessels \u201ccircling\u201d the ship. Alarms were heard, and social media posts described drones dispersing a white powder over the deck, though these claims remain unverified. Despite the tension, the takeover was conducted quietly and with professionalism, per Israeli officials.<\/p>\n\n