They came with bandages, baby formula, and cameras. They left in handcuffs.
On June 9, Israeli forces intercepted and boarded the Madleen, a civilian aid ship attempting to deliver humanitarian supplies to Gaza as part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. Aboard were 12 activists and one journalist—among them, Swedish climate icon Greta Thunberg and French-Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan. Their mission: to challenge Israel’s 17-year blockade of Gaza, now tightened to starvation levels in the wake of the ongoing war.
The Israeli government dismissed the voyage as a “publicity stunt” by “celebrities.” But the people on board tell a different story—one of resistance, courage, and deep-rooted solidarity.
This is who they are.
Greta Thunberg (Sweden)
Known globally for launching Fridays for Future at age 15, Greta has never been afraid to make her activism physical. Arrested multiple times during climate protests, she joined the Madleen to confront what she calls one of the greatest moral crises of our time: Israel’s siege on Gaza.
Diagnosed with autism at a young age, Greta has called it her “superpower”—a clarity that drives her to action when others look away. “Being different is a gift,” she once said. Her pre-recorded message before the ship was intercepted urged supporters to pressure Sweden for her release and demand action against Israel’s starvation campaign.
See also: New Footage Shows Israel Raiding Gaza Aid Boat with Greta Thunberg Aboard
Rima Hassan (France/Palestine)
Born in Aleppo and raised in France after fleeing war, Rima Hassan is now a newly elected Member of the European Parliament. A lawyer, refugee rights activist, and fierce critic of Israeli policy, she founded the Refugee Camps Observatory and now serves on the EU’s Foreign Affairs and Human Rights committees.
Barred from entering Israel for her views, she boarded the Madleen to make one thing clear: solidarity means showing up, even when it’s dangerous. She’s one of the most politically powerful people detained on this mission—and one of the most outspoken.
Yasemin Acar (Germany)
A 37-year-old organizer from Berlin, Yasemin was born to Kurdish parents from Turkey and began her activism at age 15. She’s mobilized massive refugee support efforts in Europe, including coordinating 15,000 volunteers during the Ukrainian refugee crisis. Her advocacy now centers on Palestine.
Yasemin doesn’t believe peace is possible without justice.
“My parents taught me to follow the path of Haq—the path of truth,” she said.
She sees Gaza’s struggle as part of the same pattern of state violence she’s resisted her whole life.
Thiago Ávila (Brazil)
A 37-year-old father and long-time environmental and social justice organizer, Thiago coordinates Freedom Flotilla Brazil and sits on the coalition’s international steering committee. He’s spent nearly two decades mobilizing solidarity missions across the Global South, from Cuba to Turkey to Egypt.
He’s also been trying, for months, to establish a permanent humanitarian corridor into Gaza.
“We know Israeli forces are prepared to confront us with weapons,” he said before boarding. “But we are not afraid.”
Baptiste André (France)
A French doctor, Baptiste joined the mission as a medic, prepared to treat passengers in case of military violence. His presence on board underscores what the Flotilla’s organizers have insisted all along: this was a humanitarian mission, not a stunt.
See also: Greta Thunberg Sets Sail for Gaza—With Aid, a Boat, and a Warning: “We Can’t Be Silent”
Omar Faiad (France)
A correspondent for Al Jazeera Mubasher, Omar Faiad was the sole journalist on board. His presence wasn’t just symbolic—he was documenting the voyage in real time. Israel has long sought to suppress direct coverage of its actions toward aid workers and pro-Palestine activists. His detention is part of that effort.
Yanis Mhamdi (France)
An investigative filmmaker for Blast, a French independent media outlet, Yanis was filming his next documentary: Alice in Settlerland, a project on occupation and apartheid. His previous work, Netanyahu: Portrait of a War Criminal, screened in French theaters in 2024. He was on the Madleen to keep documenting—to make sure someone was watching.
Pascal Maurieras (France)
A seasoned sailor and returning Flotilla participant, Pascal was previously detained by Israeli forces during a 2018 mission. He knew the risks—and still signed up again.
Suayb Ordu (Turkey)
A longtime activist for Palestine, Suayb has spent years on volunteer projects tied to international solidarity. Before departure, he posted a video saying: “If any harm comes to me… let it be known that I took no action.” His statement preemptively counters Israel’s habit of criminalizing activists after the fact.
Sergio Toribio (Spain)
A member of the Sea Shepherd marine conservation group, Sergio is also affiliated with the Spanish Boat to Gaza initiative. Spain’s Prime Minister has been one of the few European leaders to openly condemn Israel’s actions in Gaza. Sergio’s participation connects this mission to a growing wave of Spanish pro-Palestine resistance.
Marco van Rennes (Netherlands)
Little is publicly known about Marco’s background, but he joined the Flotilla as part of its international crew—a reminder that solidarity is a multilingual, transnational force.
Reva Viard (France)
Reva’s activism has focused on intersectional human rights and feminist resistance. Though not widely known in the media, her involvement highlights the role of young, radical organizers in mobilizing direct action across Europe.
When Witnessing Becomes Threat
None of the 12 were armed. None were carrying contraband. They brought diapers, prosthetics, and food—and they were met with rifles.
When Israel calls them a security threat, what it’s really doing is admitting this: people who bear witness are dangerous. People who resist in full view of the world make denial impossible. That’s what the Madleen threatened. Not Israeli borders. But Israeli impunity.
And that’s why they were taken.
What Happens Next
At the time of publication, all 12 remain in Israeli custody. Their ship has been seized. Their cargo is unlikely to reach Gaza. And most world leaders remain silent—not about the blockade, but about those who tried to break it.
What this voyage proves is that breaking the siege on Gaza isn’t just a logistical challenge—it’s a moral one. It’s about whether international law means anything when applied to powerful states. It’s about who gets to define “terrorism” and who gets to be humanized.
The Madleen was never going to end a war. But its passengers asked the question every government now has to answer: What are you doing while Gaza starves?
