Beirut, Lebanon (Enmaeya News) — The humanitarian aid ship Madleen arrived at the port of Ashdod on June 9, following its interception while en route to Gaza with medical supplies, baby formula, and prosthetic limbs. The vessel was carrying 12 international activists seeking to deliver assistance and raise awareness about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Onboard were activists aiming to break the Israeli blockade on Gaza and highlight the worsening humanitarian crisis—including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and French Member of European Parliament Rima Hassan.

Activists said Israeli drones hovered above the ship before releasing a white irritant, cutting off communications and forcing the ship to change course. Israel later confirmed towing the Madleen to the port of Ashdod, where those onboard are being held and expected to be deported. The military claimed the aid would be redirected to Gaza through “official channels.”

The incident has drawn widespread international attention. Several governments, human rights organizations, and United Nations officials have called for the protection of humanitarian missions and reaffirmed the importance of upholding international maritime law.

Protests broke out in cities worldwide—including Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth—where demonstrators stood in solidarity with Gaza and denounced Israel’s ongoing blockade.

Before its interception, the Madleen also rescued four Sudanese migrants at sea, handing them over to Frontex, the EU’s border agency—further proving the mission’s humanitarian goals.