DiEM25 condemns in the strongest possible terms the Israeli military’s forcible interception of the Gaza-bound aid vessel Madleen – part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition – on Sunday, June 8 2025, in clear violation of international law.
Operated as a peaceful humanitarian mission carrying baby formula, rice, medical supplies, prosthetics, menstrual products and more, this crew of 12 volunteers – among them Greta Thunberg and MEP Rima Hassan – was unarmed, acting solely to break a catastrophic blockade that threatens the survival of Gaza’s two million inhabitants.
Among those contributing to this mission is Alice, a member of MERA25/DiEM25 and Flotilla Coalition Germany, helping amplify the voices and visibility of the flotilla.
The interception occurred in international waters, where Israeli forces sprayed irritants, jammed communications, disabled navigation, and seized the vessel along with its crew – an act described by activists as “forcibly intercepting” and “the arbitrary and unlawful abduction” of civilians engaged in civil disobedience.
Israel has militarised its blockade since October 2023, contributing to the deaths of over 54,000 Palestinians and pushing Gaza to the point of famine.
Israeli forces hijacked the Madleen in international waters, detaining 12 unarmed activists—including Greta Thunberg & MEP Rima Hassan.
This is state piracy amid genocide in Gaza, enabled by EU governments. pic.twitter.com/uZnMx7Frj2
— DiEM25 (@DiEM_25) June 9, 2025
DiEM25 honours and supports the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s mission – as voiced in our earlier declaration, it is a moral imperative to challenge and dismantle genocidal policies. This act of solidarity, non‑violent resistance, and international lawbreaking to save lives reflects the very essence of our European movement.
We call for the immediate release of all volunteers, including Thunberg and Hassan, and full restitution of their humanitarian cargo, as well as an end to the naval blockade, allowing unrestricted passage of life-saving aid.
DiEM25 stands unwavering in its conviction: no flotilla is an invasion – blocking humanitarian aid is.
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