JERUSALEM/ASHDOD, June 9 (Reuters) – Israeli naval forces intercepted and took control of a humanitarian vessel on Monday as it attempted to breach the longstanding maritime blockade on the Gaza Strip. The ship and its 12 passengers, which includes climate activist Greta Thunberg, are now en route to an Israeli port.

The Madleen, a British-flagged yacht operated by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition, planned to deliver a token amount of aid to Gaza on Monday, aiming to spotlight the region’s ongoing humanitarian crisis.

But before reaching its destination, the vessel was boarded overnight, according to a post on the FFC's Telegram channel. The Israeli Foreign Ministry later confirmed that it had gained control of the ship.

“The ‘celebrity yacht’ is safely sailing toward Israeli shores,” the ministry posted on X. “The individuals on board will soon return to their respective countries.”

The Ministry later stated that all onboard were in good condition. “Everyone was offered food and water. The spectacle has come to a close.”

Among those on the vessel were Swedish environmentalist Thunberg and Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament.

“At about 2 a.m., Israeli forces detained the Freedom Flotilla crew in international waters,” Hassan shared on X, alongside a photo showing the passengers wearing life jackets and raising their hands while seated on the boat.

The yacht carried modest amounts of humanitarian supplies, including rice and baby formula. According to the Foreign Ministry, these items will still be sent to Gaza. “The small quantity of aid not consumed by the passengers will be delivered via recognized humanitarian avenues,” it said.

On Sunday, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz directed the military to intercept the Madleen, labeling the mission as a publicity effort backing Hamas.

Katz also indicated that once the vessel arrives at the port of Ashdod, the activists would be shown footage from the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on southern Israel, an assault that marked the beginning of the current Gaza conflict.

Hamas denounced the seizure, calling it “state terrorism,” and praised the activists for their efforts.

Israel has upheld a naval blockade on Gaza since Hamas assumed control in 2007, aiming to prevent the group—designated as a terrorist organization by Israel and Western countries—from obtaining weapons.

The blockade has persisted through repeated conflicts, including the current war that began with the deadly Hamas-led incursion into southern Israel on October 7, 2023. That attack, according to Israeli figures, killed over 1,200 people and resulted in the abduction of 251 individuals.

Israel's military response has led to the deaths of more than 54,000 Palestinians, according to health authorities in Hamas-run Gaza, and has displaced much of the strip's population of over 2 million, who now face severe food shortages, the United Nations reports.

Francesca Albanese, the United Nations special rapporteur for human rights in the Palestinian territories, has expressed support for the Freedom Flotilla’s efforts. On Sunday, she encouraged more missions to challenge the blockade.

"The Madleen may be docked, but its cause sails on. Every Mediterranean port should dispatch boats filled with aid and solidarity bound for Gaza," she wrote on X.