Spain Summons Israeli Diplomat Over Interception of Gaza-Bound Aid Ship “Madeleine”

According to Yedioth Ahronoth, Spain summoned diplomat Dan Poraz to express formal disapproval of the Israeli navy’s seizure of the Gaza-bound vessel early Monday morning. Israel has yet to issue an official comment.

German Ambassador to Israel, Steffen Seibert, confirmed via X that Berlin is in contact with Israeli authorities regarding the ship. He stated that all passengers were transferred to Israel and ordered to leave the country, adding that Germany offered consular assistance to one German citizen onboard.

Israel Detains Gaza-Bound Activists from “Madeleine” in Controversial Naval Operation

The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed Monday morning that 12 activists aboard the “Madeleine” were arrested and would be deported. The vessel and its occupants were taken to Ashdod Port in southern Israel.

Israeli human rights group Adalah issued an urgent statement demanding disclosure of the detained activists’ whereabouts, calling the naval operation illegal under international law.

Though Tel Aviv has not disclosed the activists’ detention location, Israel Hayom reported preparations are underway at Givon Prison in Ramla, where separate cells have been arranged. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir reportedly ordered a ban on communication devices like radios and TVs in the cells.

The activists will be transported in sealed-window vehicles from Ashdod Port under the supervision of the Nachshon Unit, according to the report.

The Israeli military raided the “Madeleine” at dawn while it was carrying international activists in an attempt to break the blockade on Gaza. A livestream showed Israeli gunboats surrounding the vessel, demanding passengers raise their hands, while drones flew overhead and dropped an unknown white substance.

This followed Israel’s public warning that the ship would not be allowed to reach Gaza, branding the effort as an “illegal” breach of the naval blockade.

Freedom Flotilla Activists Call for Safe Passage

Israel Intercepts Activist Ship Carrying Greta Thunberg Amid Ongoing Gaza Campaign

On Sunday, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant ordered the military to intercept the vessel, which was expected to enter territorial waters within hours.

The “Madeleine” was carrying 12 people, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and Irish actor Liam Cunningham.

A previous ship, Al-Damir, part of the same international campaign to break the Gaza siege, was attacked by an Israeli drone on May 2, resulting in damage and fire onboard.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel—backed by the U.S.—has been waging a campaign in Gaza described by international observers and human rights organizations as genocide. The assault has resulted in over 181,000 Palestinians killed or wounded, including women and children, over 11,000 missing, widespread famine, and mass displacement.