After IDF forces took control of the ship Madleen overnight, Defense Minister Israel Katz directed the military to show the flotilla passengers footage of the October 7 massacre.
“It is appropriate that the antisemitic Greta and her fellow Hamas supporters see exactly who the Hamas terrorist organization is, who they came to support, and on whose behalf they act,” Katz said. “They should witness the atrocities committed against women, the elderly, and children, and understand against who Israel is fighting to defend itself.”
Israel intercepted the Gaza-bound vessel carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg and other high-profile figures, detaining those on board and transporting them to Israel. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) confirmed that the Israeli military had boarded the Madleen as it attempted to reach Gaza.
All the passengers of the ‘selfie yacht’ are safe and unharmed. They were provided with sandwiches and water. The show is over. pic.twitter.com/tLZZYcspJO
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) June 9, 2025
Among the passengers were Thunberg, “Game of Thrones” actor Liam Cunningham, and Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament.
RIMA HASSAN
In August 2023, Forbes named Rima Hassan among its “40 exceptional women who have marked the year and made France shine internationally.” However, in January 2024, the recognition sparked backlash. Yonathan Arfi, president of the Representative Council of French Jewish Institutions (CRIF), accused Hassan of “justifying the atrocities of October 7” committed by Hamas. French TV presenter Arthur also criticized her, saying she was “lauding terrorism.” In response to the controversy, Forbes canceled its awards ceremony.
On April 30, 2024, Hassan was summoned by police on suspicion of glorifying terrorism, based on social media posts from the previous winter. She stated she remained “serene,” but condemned what she described as “political pressure” aimed at silencing her during a crucial moment ahead of the European elections.
In May 2024, Hassan again drew criticism after a tweet accusing the CRIF of dictating a pro-Israel statement to French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné.
On January 23, 2025, Hassan opposed a broad-based resolution in the European Parliament calling for the release of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, imprisoned in Algeria since November 2024. The resolution passed with 533 votes in favor, 24 against, and 48 abstentions.
LIAM CUNNINGHAM
In the 2020 Irish general election, Liam Cunningham endorsed the Trotskyist political alliance Solidarity–People Before Profit. In 2024, Cunningham stated that he had been involved in “pro-Palestinian campaigns” for “30 to 40 years.”
In June 2025, Cunningham appeared at a People Before Profit press event, where he criticized the Irish government’s handling of the Gaza conflict. He argued that economic interests were being prioritized over humanitarian concerns. Cunningham called for stronger measures, including the passage of the Occupied Territories Bill with meaningful provisions and a complete end to trade with Israel.
GRETA THUNBERG
On 20 October 2023, Greta Thunberg shared a photo from her regular Friday climate protest, featuring herself and three other demonstrators holding signs. One read “Climate Justice Now,” while the others expressed solidarity with the Arabs in the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing war. In her accompanying posts on Twitter and Instagram, Thunberg included links to fourteen “Palestine solidarity” social media accounts, encouraging followers to learn more and support the cause.
Her post drew immediate criticism for failing to explicitly condemn the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel. In response, Thunberg clarified her position the following day, writing: “It goes without saying – or so I thought – that I’m against the horrific attacks by Hamas. As I said, ‘the world needs to speak up and call for an immediate ceasefire, justice, and freedom for Palestinians and all civilians affected.'”
On May 11, 2024, Thunberg was detained by Swedish police during a pro-Hamas protest outside Malmö Arena, the venue of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest. Following her release, she issued a statement opposing Israel’s participation in the competition.
In May 2025, Thunberg had planned to join the Gaza Freedom Flotilla from a port in Malta. However, the plans were canceled after one of the vessels was struck by a drone in international waters off the Maltese coast.
MAKE THEM WATCH
Defense Minister Israel Katz praised the IDF for the swift and safe takeover of the Madleen flotilla, which was prevented from breaking the blockade and reaching Gaza’s shores. “I have instructed the IDF to show the flotilla’s passengers footage of the horrors of the October 7 massacre upon their arrival at the port of Ashdod,” he said.
He emphasized, “The IDF will continue its war against the Hamas murderers with full moral conviction until they are subdued, all hostages are released, and the security of the State of Israel is ensured.”
