Israel’s Foreign Ministry declared “the show is over” after Israeli forces intercepted a boat carrying aid to Gaza and a handful of activists.

Among those on board the Gaza-bound vessel were climate activist Greta Thunberg. She and others on the Madleen were detained and diverted to Israel, according to the Israeli Defense Forces.

Greta Thunberg is currently on her way to Israel, safe and in good spirits. pic.twitter.com/pjWSr0lOsE

— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) June 9, 2025

The 22-year-old posted a message saying, “If you see this video, we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters.”

She asked the Swedish government to “put pressure” on Israel’s government to have her and the others released.

(Video Credit: The Independent)

“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,” read a social media post from the Foreign Ministry, which showed an Israeli Navy officer communicating with the vessel.

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

The passengers were reportedly “safe and unharmed” and were given sandwiches and water, according to the ministry, which concluded, “The show is over.”

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

About a dozen activists joined the so-called Freedom Flotilla Coalition, including Thunberg and “Game of Thrones” actor Liam Cunningham, as well as French member of the European Parliament Rima Hassa. The group planned to bring some aid to Gaza while raising awareness of the situation there.

“The tiny amount of aid that was on the yacht and not consumed by the ‘celebrities’ will be transferred to Gaza through real humanitarian channels,” the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs said. “There are ways to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip — they do not involve provocations and selfies.”

Good morning to all our followers ☀️

In case you missed it:

The ‘selfie yacht’ is safely making its way to the shores of Israel. The passengers are safe and were provided with sandwiches and water, and are expected to return to their home countries.

The tiny amount of… pic.twitter.com/Gfn9I3ZI2l

— Israel ישראל (@Israel) June 9, 2025

“While Greta and others attempted to stage a media provocation whose sole purpose was to gain publicity — and which included less than a single truckload of aid — more than 1,200 aid trucks have entered Gaza from Israel within the past two weeks, and in addition, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation,” the ministry said.

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Frieda Powers

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Frieda@bizpacreview.com

Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida where she has been writing for the BizPacReview team since 2015.

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